The Paternity Acknowledgment (PA) (see forms) is a document which is used to add a biological (natural) father to a child's birth record.
The PA cannot be used if the mother of the child was married to anyone within 10 months prior to the birth of the child or, if for any reason, there is another father listed on the child's birth certificate. If the mother was married during this time, or if another father is listed on the birth record, court action will be necessary to establish paternity, amend the birth record, and establish legitimation.
Once filed with the State Office of Vital records, the PA helps establish the father and child relationship. It is a voluntary agreement between the mother and the biological father to add the father's name to the birth record. The child's name can also be changed within the first year of birth, if agreed upon by both the mother and father.
An unwed parent under the age of 18 may sign the PA form without parental consent if:
Either the mother or biological father has 60 days from the date of his/her signature to request to rescind this PA. After the 60 day rescission period has ended, this signed document may constitute a legal determination of paternity and can only be challenged in a court of law on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact, with the burden of proof on the person challenging the acknowledgment.
Both parties must be present and must bring a valid, state-issued ID. The child does not need to be present. The PA, once completed and signed in the presence of a notary public, will be forwarded to the State Office of Vital Records where it will be entered into the State Putative Father Registry and considered a Vital Record. If both parents do not sign a PA before leaving the hospital or birthing facility, only the mother's name and the child's name will be entered on the birth certificate. The PA may be signed before a notary public at a later date and mailed to the State Office of Vital Records. Upon receipt of an acceptable PA form, the certificate of birth will be amended to enter the name of the father and change the child's name, if requested. For information on how to rescind a signed PA, contact either the State Office of Vital Records or our office at (770) 288-7600.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently NOT accepting cash. We are accepting Visa, MasterCard, American Express Credit/Debit Cards (a card processing fee will apply to all credit/debit card payments), local Henry County Checks (must be over check number 500), and Money Orders.
Hours of Operation
2021 Court Closings
Contact Us
99 Sims Street, McDonough, GA 30253
Main Phone: 770 288 7600
TTY: 770 288 6818
Probate Fax: 770 288 7616
Vital Records Fax: 770 288 7562
Employee Intranet | Email Webmaster