What is a paternity affidavit?

A paternity affidavit is a legal document, signed by the mother and the father (and the presumed father if the mother was married when the child was born) which legally establishes the father, adds his name to the birth certificate and gives him potential rights (visitation) and responsibilities (child support) of being a father.  While it is a quicker way to establish paternity than through the court process, it can be hard to undo if someone changes their mind.  The mother and potential father should carefully read the paternity affidavit and make sure they know the consequences of signing a paternity affidavit.

If both the mother and father agree (and the child was born in Washington), they can sign a paternity affidavit and take it to the Division of Child Support, where it can be notarized and sent to the Department of Health in Olympia for filing.

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1. I know who the biological father of my child is. How do I get child support?
2. What is a "presumed father?"
3. What is a paternity affidavit?
4. Where do I get a blank Washington State paternity affidavit?
5. The father of my child is deceased. Can I still get paternity established?
6. How do I find out if I am the father of a child?
7. Will the Prosecuting Attorney's Office do a paternity test for me?
8. My name is on the child's birth certificate. How can I get a paternity test to make sure I am the father?
9. I was served with a Petition to Decide Paternity, what should I do?
10. What happens after a response to the Petition to Decide Paternity?
11. The genetic testing has confirmed that I am the father; however, I want to request a deviation from the proposed child support payment. What should I do?
12. Can I obtain a parenting plan as a part of the paternity action?
13. Will I get back child support as a part of the paternity action?
14. How long does a paternity case take?
15. Does the Family Support Division or the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office represent me?
16. What if the father admits he is the father?
17. What do I have to do for genetic testing?
18. Do I have to pay for genetic testing?
19. How long does it take to get genetic testing results?
20. How do I get the Amended Birth Certificate with the father's name on it?
21. I now have a court date, what should I do?
22. Who do I talk to when the parenting plan has been violated?
23. The parenting plan has not been violated, but I am concerned that the other parent may disappear with my child. What can I do to prevent that?