The Paternity Acknowledgement Form (PAF)

In an attempt to make it easy for the child support division to increase collections, the Paternity Acknowledgement Form (PAF) was created.  The form is also known as Declaration of paternity and paternity opportunity program.  Once this form is signed by an alleged father, the child support enforcement division can start collecting support payments. 

In some states, there are programs that encourage the voluntary signing of the PAF.  However, in many cases, a nurse is required by the state to ask the father to sign a Paternity Acknowledgement Form.

Generally, it is advised that you visit your local hospital before your child is born and pick up a copy of the PAF.  Usually, you will be provided with an informational pamphlet which you should read through carefully before signing the PAF and designating yourself as the biological father.

If you have questions related to a paternity or family law issue in Florida, contact Ellerin Hutchinson to set up a time to meet with a Jacksonville family law attorney that handles paternity cases.