Fill Your Arkansas Acknowledgement Paternity Form Fill Out Form Online

Fill Your Arkansas Acknowledgement Paternity Form

The Arkansas Acknowledgment of Paternity form is a legal document that establishes a child's paternity when signed by both parents. This form must be completed after the child's birth and requires notarization to be valid. It is important for parents to understand their rights and responsibilities outlined in this document, as it plays a crucial role in child support and legal recognition of parentage.

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Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Arkansas Acknowledgment of Paternity form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are four things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do complete the form in black ink and do not make any alterations.
  • Do fill in all required spaces, including insurance information, even if you have none.
  • Do sign the form in the presence of a notary public, ensuring you have proper identification.
  • Do keep copies of the form for your records after submitting the originals.
  • Don't sign the form before your child is born.
  • Don't forget to notify hospital staff if you are completing the form there.
  • Don't ignore the instructions regarding changing your child's last name if needed.
  • Don't wait longer than sixty days to rescind your acknowledgment if you change your mind.

Important Details about Arkansas Acknowledgement Paternity

What is the Arkansas Acknowledgment of Paternity form?

The Arkansas Acknowledgment of Paternity form is a legal document that allows parents to establish paternity for a child born in Arkansas. It must be completed and signed by both parents, typically at the hospital or before a notary public.

When can I sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity?

This form cannot be signed before the child is born. It is important to wait until after the birth to complete the document.

What information is required on the form?

You must fill in all spaces on the form. This includes your insurance information, even if it does not cover the hospital bill. If you do not have insurance, write “none.” Additionally, you must provide your Social Security Number, as it is required for child support purposes.

Do both parents need to sign the form?

Yes, both parents must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. Each parent should bring a form of identification with a photo, such as a driver’s license or school ID.

What if I complete the form at the hospital?

If you fill out the form at the hospital, inform the staff when you are ready to sign. They will assist you with the notary process and mail the completed form for you. If you submit the form before the birth certificate is sent to the Division of Vital Records, there is no filing fee.

What happens if I sign the form after the birth certificate is filed?

If the birth certificate has already been sent to the Division of Vital Records, you still need to sign the Acknowledgment in front of a notary. Remember to follow the same identification and stamping requirements as before.

Can I change my child's last name using this form?

If you wish to change your child's last name, you must carefully follow the instructions provided in the child’s information section of the Acknowledgment of Paternity form.

What if I change my mind after signing the acknowledgment?

You can rescind your acknowledgment within sixty days of signing it. To do this, complete a rescission form and file it with the Division of Vital Records. This form must be filed before any legal proceedings regarding the child or within sixty days, whichever comes first.

What if I want to contest the acknowledgment after sixty days?

After sixty days, changing the established parents of the child requires filing a motion with the court. This motion must be based on claims such as fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. Consulting with an attorney may help clarify the necessary facts to support your case.

Example - Arkansas Acknowledgement Paternity Form

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PATERNITY

Please read these instructions before filling out this form. Read the important information about your rights and responsibilities on the back of this form.

1.This Acknowledgment of Paternity may not be signed before your child is born.

2.This is a legal document. Type or complete in black ink and do not alter.

3.Fill in all of the spaces. List your insurance even if it will not cover the hospital bill for your child’s birth. If you do not have insurance, write “none” in that space. Disclosure of your Social Security Number is mandatory under P. L. 104-193 and may be used for child support purposes.

4. Each parent must sign in the presence of a notary public. Show the notary identification with your picture, such as a driver’s license or school ID. If the notary uses a rubber stamp they must stamp both the mother’s and father’s signatures and on each copy.

5.If you are completing this form at the hospital when your baby is born, tell the staff when you are ready to sign. They will help you with the notary and mail it for you. If you give the completed Acknowledgment for Paternity to the hospital staff responsible for birth certificates before the birth certificate is sent to the Division of Vital Records, there is no filing fee. Note: there will be a charge of $12.00 for a copy of the birth certificate when you order it from the Division of Vital Records.

6.If you are completing this form after the hospital has sent the birth certificate to the Division of Vital Records, remember to sign this Acknowledgment in front of a notary public. If the notary uses a rubber stamp they must stamp both the mother’s and father’s signatures and on each copy. If you want to change your child’s last name, carefully read and follow the directions under the child’s information section on the Acknowledgment of Paternity form. The parents should keep the blue copies of this form. Send the white (original) to the Office of Child Support Enforcement and the white (copy) to the Division of Vital Records at the addresses shown below.

Office of Child Support Enforcement

Division of Vital Records

P. O. Box 8133

Arkansas Department of Health

Little Rock, Arkansas 72203

4815 West Markham, Slot 44

 

Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

For a copy of an updated birth certificate enclose a fee of $27.00 with the white copy. This $27.00 includes $15.00 for the filing fee and $12.00 for a copy of the birth certificate.

7.This Acknowledgment of Paternity may be signed for any child who was born in Arkansas. It can be mailed to a parent anywhere to be signed in the presence of a Notary.

8.If the mother was married when she became pregnant or anytime while she was pregnant, but the husband is not the biological (natural) father, follow the instructions on the back of this Acknowledgment of Paternity (Denial of Husband’s Paternity). An acknowledgment denying paternity must be submitted before the hospital submits the birth certificate to the Division of Vital Records.

9.Any person signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity may change their mind and rescind their acknowledgement. To do this, you should complete a rescission form and file it with the Division of Vital Records. You may request a rescission form by calling the Division of Vital Records at 1-800-637-9314. The rescission form must be filed prior to any administrative or judicial proceeding regarding the child takes place, or within sixty (60) days from the date the voluntary acknowledgment is signed, which ever comes first. After sixty (60) days, the only way to change the established parents of the child is to file a motion with the court. A motion, if filed, must be based on a claim that the signing of the acknowledgment was because of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. You may want to discuss with your attorney what facts might be needed to prove these claims.