The Affidavit of Parentage is a form that is given to unmarried couples who have a child together. This form must be completed by both parents and signed at the hospital. Execution of the affidavit voluntarily acknowledges the father of the child and gives the mother initial custody.

Even if the mother omits the father’s name from the birth certificate, the Affidavit of Parentage shows parentage. If a father is uncertain that he is the child’s parent, he may choose not to sign the form, because doing so waives his right to blood tests or a trial to determine paternity.

The law makes it clear that fathers have the right to child custody and fair parenting time. The affidavit also makes it clear that a father has the obligation to provide child support. A father may fight for paternity if he was not present or not given the opportunity to name himself as the child’s father.