How to Register Paternity As an Unmarried Father
Understand “putative” fatherhood., Find if your state has a registry., Find the registry., Register online., Request forms., Avoid delay.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand “putative” fatherhood.
A putative father is an unmarried man who claims to possibly be a father.
In other words, your paternity has not yet been legally established, but you think you might be the father.Because you haven’t established your legal relationship, you don’t have full legal rights.
However, by registering as a putative father, you potentially preserve some rights.
For example, registering will guarantee you notice of any child custody proceedings or petitions for adoption.
In several states, registering with the putative father registry is the only way you can preserve those rights. -
Step 2: Find if your state has a registry.
At least 24 states have a registry where you can register your status as a putative father.
You should check to see if your state has a registry.
Below is a partial list of states that do:
Alabama Florida Illinois Louisiana Missouri New York Texas Wyoming , You can find the registry by visiting the Adoption Attorneys website, which has a link to every putative father registry in the U.S.You can also search the Internet for “your state” and “putative father registry.” , Some states, such as Illinois, give you the option of applying online.
Each state requests slightly different information.
However, you generally will be asked for the following:your full name your physical address and mailing address your previous addresses your phone number your Social Security Number your date of birth your employer’s information physical details, such as race, height, weight, hair color, etc. all of the above information about the mother information about the child, including name, date of birth (actual or estimated), and place of birth your signature under penalty of perjury , There should be a phone number at your state’s registry which you can call in order to request a form.
A mailing address and/or email may also be provided.You should make a copy of all completed forms and then mail them to the address provided. , If you want to register with a putative father registry, then you must meet deadlines set by your state.
In Minnesota, for example, you can register at any time during the pregnancy, but not later than 30 days after birth. -
Step 3: Find the registry.
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Step 4: Register online.
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Step 5: Request forms.
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Step 6: Avoid delay.
Detailed Guide
A putative father is an unmarried man who claims to possibly be a father.
In other words, your paternity has not yet been legally established, but you think you might be the father.Because you haven’t established your legal relationship, you don’t have full legal rights.
However, by registering as a putative father, you potentially preserve some rights.
For example, registering will guarantee you notice of any child custody proceedings or petitions for adoption.
In several states, registering with the putative father registry is the only way you can preserve those rights.
At least 24 states have a registry where you can register your status as a putative father.
You should check to see if your state has a registry.
Below is a partial list of states that do:
Alabama Florida Illinois Louisiana Missouri New York Texas Wyoming , You can find the registry by visiting the Adoption Attorneys website, which has a link to every putative father registry in the U.S.You can also search the Internet for “your state” and “putative father registry.” , Some states, such as Illinois, give you the option of applying online.
Each state requests slightly different information.
However, you generally will be asked for the following:your full name your physical address and mailing address your previous addresses your phone number your Social Security Number your date of birth your employer’s information physical details, such as race, height, weight, hair color, etc. all of the above information about the mother information about the child, including name, date of birth (actual or estimated), and place of birth your signature under penalty of perjury , There should be a phone number at your state’s registry which you can call in order to request a form.
A mailing address and/or email may also be provided.You should make a copy of all completed forms and then mail them to the address provided. , If you want to register with a putative father registry, then you must meet deadlines set by your state.
In Minnesota, for example, you can register at any time during the pregnancy, but not later than 30 days after birth.
About the Author
Jessica Martinez
Creates helpful guides on organization to inspire and educate readers.
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