Government Seeks Comments on Paternity Affidavit Process
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The government wants to keep collecting info from parents who voluntarily say who the dad is for kids born outside marriage. They’re not changing the forms but are making the process smoother with better technology. Parents, hospitals, and state agencies are involved, and public comments are open until September 22, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Three-Year Extension of Paternity Forms
The Office of Child Support Enforcement is requesting a 3-year extension to keep collecting information for Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity affidavits. Each year the collection covers 1,372,816 paternity acknowledgment responses and totals an estimated 368,588 annual burden hours across respondents.
Automation Cuts Time Burden 40%
The agency reports a 40 percent overall decrease in estimated annual burden compared to the 2024 estimate because hospitals and partners now use electronic devices and automated platforms to deliver education and collect information. Current annual estimates include 135,155 hours for training, 233,379 hours for the paternity acknowledgment process (1,372,816 responses at 0.17 hours each), and 54 hours for data elements, for a total of 368,588 hours.
Affidavits Given Full Faith and Credit
The required affidavit for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity must meet minimum requirements and receive full faith and credit when signed in one state according to that state's procedures, meaning affidavits are recognized across states. States must enact laws ensuring a simple civil process for voluntary paternity acknowledgments.
Required Notice Before Signing Affidavit
Before a mother and putative father sign a voluntary paternity affidavit, the state must give them notice orally or by video and in writing about alternatives, the legal consequences, and their rights, including any rights if a parent is a minor. Hospitals and other participating entities must ensure this notice is provided prior to signature.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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