Paternity Acknowledgment Program

What if parents acknowledge paternity but change their minds later?
Parents should think carefully before acknowledging paternity. If you do change your mind, you have 60 days to cancel the Paternity Acknowledgment Form. A court order is required to remove the name of the father from the birth certificate.
For parents who would like to apply for child support services with the Division of Child Support Services, a paternity test is an option once there is an open case. You may apply for services online at dcss.dhs.ga.gov.
Minor parents
All unwed minor parents must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Paternity Acknowledgment (PA) Form in order for the child to have their father's last name.
An unwed parent under the age of 18 may sign the PA Form without parental consent if:
1. He/she is on active duty with the military
2. Emancipation has been granted by a court order

Contact us
For more information, contact The Georgia Paternity Acknowledgment Program at
1-844-MYGADHS
(1-844-694-2347) Select options 1, 2 and 3.
For more information about birth certificates, visit the State Office of Vital Records at
dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords

Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services
Paternity Acknowledgment
Program

Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services
Revised September 2016

What is paternity acknowledgment?
Why should I complete a Paternity Acknowledgment Form?
Under Georgia law, an acknowledgment or determination of paternity establishes the biological condition of being a father. However, it does not establish a legal relationship between the father and child that offers custody or visitation rights.
Fathers can now acknowledge their biological relationship with a child by completing a Paternity Acknowledgment Form. The form may be completed at the hospital at the time of the child's birth or later (after paternity is established through genetic testing) at the State Vital Records office. The form remains on file with the State Vital Records office.
A signed Paternity Acknowledgment Form allows the biological father's name to be automatically added to the child's birth certificate.
PATERNITY HELPS FAMILIES
Paternity gives a child a surname that reflects the child's identity and heritage
Paternity allows both parents to share the responsibility and rewards of parenthood
Paternity allows both parents to establish an emotional bond with the child
PATERNITY HELPS CHILDREN FINANCIALLY
Paternity allows the child to qualify for benefits, such as the father's health insurance or Social Security
Paternity allows the child to receive financial support from both parents

Benefits of establishing paternity
Identity.
It is important for a child to know the identity of his or her father. Research indicates that knowing one's identity is crucial to emotional development. Establishing paternity will provide emotional, social, and economic ties between a father and his child.
Connection.
Children need both parents, and establishing paternity will allow the child to develop a connection to both its father and its mother.
Health.
When doctors know the medical history of both parents, it improves the child's ability to receive appropriate medical care. Paternity establishment allows a child to have access to information about medical histories on both sides of his or her family.
Financial.
Children have a right to receive financial support from both parents. Establishing paternity will ensure that the child has the same rights and privileges as all children, such as inheritance rights and access to Social Security and veteran's benefits.

What are the requirements to acknowledge paternity?
In order for you to acknowledge paternity, the following must occur:
The mother must have given birth in the state of Georgia.
The father must be the child's biological father.
Both parents must sign the same Paternity Acknowledgment Form.
You must provide the following in order to establish paternity:
A valid photo ID (driver's license, work or school ID) from both parents
Social Security numbers from both parents, if one exists
If one or more of the parents is a minor, valid photo ID from the minor's parent or legal guardian.

Contact the Division of Child Support Services at 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) or dcss.dhs.ga.gov