Paternity Establishment: Understanding Paternity
Scenario # 2: The Boyfriend is Told He’s the Father
Shannon and Brad met at a nightclub and were dating for a couple months..
..when she informed him that she was pregnant and he was the father of her baby.
Although Brad had sexual relations with Shannon, he didn’t know if she was involved with anyone else.
He feels that he’s not ready to get married, but wants to take responsibility for his actions if he’s the child’s father.
When the baby is born, should Brad sign a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity?
You said 'Don't Sign', that's correct.
He should NOT sign the voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form.
Unless Brad is sure that he's the child's biological father, he should not sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity. If Brad signed this document, he would waive his rights to a court hearing and would be legally bound to support the child until 21 years of age. Because the paternity is in question, Brad and Shannon can ask for DNA testing when the child is born. If the test indicates that Brad is the father, he and Shannon can sign the voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity.