What is a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity?

A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity is a legal document that is signed by an unwed father in order to legally recognize that he is the father of a child. This document is typically used when the mother of the child is unmarried. By signing the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity document, the father is legally claiming the guardianship of the child and taking responsibility for child support. In Florida, a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity can be completed at the hospital when the baby is born. There is also a form that can be filed with the Florida Office of Vital Statistics. Either document must be signed by both the mother and the father and must be witnessed and notarized. Once a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity is signed, it is considered conclusive evidence that the person listed as the father is the biological father of the child. This document is legally binding, and the father listed on the document is responsible for the child’s support and can petition for custody or visitation rights. It is important to note that a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity in Florida can be rescinded (or withdrawn) within 60 days of signing it. After the 60-day window, however, the father who signed the document cannot rescind it. It is only possible to rescind the document if a court determines that it was not correctly signed or that signing the document was not in the child’s best interest.

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What is a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity?

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