What is Paternity
Establishment?
Paternity gives both parents legal rights
Paternity means fatherhood. Paternity establishment is how a biological father gains legal rights to his child if he and the mother are not married.
If you and your partner are unmarried, you must establish paternity before the father’s name can be placed on the birth certificate.
Click below to learn more:
The Importance
of Paternity
Paternity benefits everyone!
Fathers get legal rights to their child and their name on the birth certificate
Mothers get help with responsibilities and important decisions
Children get all the benefits children of married parents do, including:
A relationship with both parents and a sense of identity
Knowledge of both families’ medical histories
Access to health insurance and benefits
Ways to
Establish Paternity
There are 2 ways to establish paternity in Louisiana:
Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit: Complete and sign a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form. You can sign this form in three places:
a) At the hospital: When your child is born – and it’s free! A hospital worker will explain everything as you fill out the form.
b) At vital records: For a small fee, at the vital records office New Orleans or by mail.
c) At your local child support office: A local office can assist with the form and genetic testing. An application and fee are required for services.
Court proceedings: File a paternity suit with the courts. Also, either parent can contact Child Support Enforcement (CSE) for services or a private attorney for assistance. CSE does not provide paternity-only services for applicants.
COVID-19 Information
Each hospital may have a different set of COVID-19 rules and procedures to follow. It is important that expecting parents contact their birthing facility before the birth of their baby if they wish to establish paternity at the hospital. Hospitals can provide the following information:
How many support people are allowed in the patient’s room
Whether or not a support person is allowed to return to the patient’s room once they leave
When a hospital staff member will be available to meet with the parents to discuss and complete the Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) Affidavit
Answers to general questions about establishing paternity and the AOP
