What is the process for establishing legal paternity?

The process for establishing legal paternity in Washington is fairly straightforward. Generally, for unmarried couples, the process begins when the mother files an acknowledgment of paternity form with the Washington Department of Health. This form will include the names and birth dates of both the child and father, as well as the mother’s signature. For the father, his signature must be notarized. If both parents cannot agree who the father is, the mother can start a court case to establish paternity. This process begins with the mother filing a petition for a court order to establish paternity with the Superior Court in the county where the mother resides. From there, a hearing will be held to determine the father of the child. At the hearing, both parties will present their evidence and witness testimony. The court will then issue an order that legally establishes the father as the legal father of the child. It is important to note that the father may be ordered by the court to pay for child support and health insurance for the child. The court may also order the father to pay for the costs associated with the filing of the petition.

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What is the process for establishing legal paternity?

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