CERTIFICATE OF PARENTAGE IN NJ

What Does It Mean If You Sign This Form?

By signing the Certificate of Parentage, you are legally establishing your child's paternity. Paternity means fatherhood. Signing the form is voluntary. However, since signing this form has serious legal consequences, you may want to consult an attorney before you sign.

Paternity is legally established on the date both parents sign this form. Once completed, this form:

• Allows a parent to seek a child support order without further court proceedings to establish paternity

• May be filed in court and serve as the basis for orders of custody or visitation

• Has the same binding effect as a court judgment of paternity

Privacy Protection

This form is not a public record. It will only be available to:

• The parents and child named on this form

• The child's legal guardian or legal representative

• Government officials in the conduct of their official duties

What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities as Parents?

Financial Responsibilities: Both parents are required by law to support their child from birth. If your child does not live with you, you may be ordered by the court to pay child support until the child's eighteenth birthday, or beyond in some circumstances.

Custody and Visitation Rights: A parent who does not live with the child may have the right to visit and establish a relationship with the child as you both agree or as ordered by the court.

How Will Your Child Benefit If You Sign This Form?

Every child has the right to know his or her mother and father and benefit from a relationship with both parents. When you establish paternity:

• Your child will have two legal parents

• Medical history access: It will be easier for your child to learn the medical histories of both parents and to benefit from healthcare coverage available to you

• Financial support: Your child has a right to financial support from both of you until age eighteen, or beyond in some circumstances

• Government benefits: It will be easier for your child to receive benefits such as dependent or survivor's benefits from the Veteran's Administration or from the Social Security Administration

• Inheritance rights: It will be easier for your child to inherit through you

What If I Change My Mind? Within 60 Days:

A COP can be rescinded at any time within 60 days of the date signed under the following conditions:

• If both parties agree to rescind: File a Rescission of Certificate of Parentage with the Bureau of Vital Records

• If only one person wants to rescind: An action must be filed with the court

If the Certificate of Parentage is rescinded within the 60-day time frame, the father's name and information will be removed from your child's birth certificate. Please note, however, that either party can later bring a court action to establish paternity.

After 60 Days:

After this 60-day period, parents can challenge the Certificate of Parentage in court only on the basis of:

• Fraud

• Duress

• Material mistake of fact

The parent attempting to rescind must provide proof of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.

How DNA Testing Newark Can Help?

At DTN, we understand that establishing paternity is a significant decision with long-lasting legal and emotional consequences. We offer:

• Accurate DNA paternity testing to verify biological relationships before you sign legal documents

• Confidential service with results you can trust

• Expert guidance throughout the testing process

• Court-admissible results for child support cases or adding a father's name to the child's birth certificate.

• All DNA samples are tested and analyzed by a partner AABB accredited lab which is essential for evidence submission for Essex County and all residents of New Jersey.

Need reliable legal paternity testing services to establish paternity? Call 866-269-2516 to schedule an appointment today.