What is the Paternity Establishment Program?
This program provides paternity establishment outreach, education, training, guidance, assessment and technical assistance to birthing hospitals, local registrars, child support enforcement offices, courts, community partners and unmarried parents. The program’s focus is to promote voluntary paternity establishment to ensure that children in Ohio have legally recognized fathers and the financial and emotional support that all children need and deserve. In Ohio, this program is operated by the Central Paternity Registry (CPR) within the Office of Child Support, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. More information about the CPR and its functions can be found in the “About” section.
Paternity 101 – For Parents video
Contact Information
Ohio Central Paternity Registry (CPR)
1-888-810-OHIO (6446)
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)
→ Visit Website
Ohio Department of Health
→ View Website
Overview of Paternity Establishment
Paternity means legal fatherhood. Paternity establishment is how a biological father becomes the legal father of his child if he and the mother are not married. If you’re not married when your child is born, your child does not have a legal father. Paternity must be established before the father’s name can appear on the birth certificate. If the mother is married, the husband is presumed to be the father.
Paternity can be established any time before the child becomes 23 years old. Paternity can be determined even if the other parent lives in another state or a foreign country.
Paternity establishment is important for children and their parents. All unmarried parents should think about establishing paternity — because all kids deserve the benefits that legally recognized fatherhood can provide. Establishing paternity gives both parents and their child the rights and opportunities they need and deserve. It’s easy and it’s free. An Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit (JFS 07038) can be completed to establish paternity at the time of birth in the hospital or afterwards at your local registrar (health department) or county child support enforcement agency. Either parent can also call the Ohio Central Paternity Registry (CPR) at 1-888-810-OHIO (6446) and request a copy be mailed to you.
Key FAQs
+ How can paternity be established?
+ Is the Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit the right option for me and my child?
+ What are the requirements to complete a paternity affidavit?
+ How can I get a blank Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit?
+ Will the father be required to pay child support if he signs the paternity affidavit?
Valuable Resources Links
→ Ohio Department of Job and Family Services/Office of Child Support - information about child support
→ Ohio Department of Health - How to Order Certificates
→ To find the CSEA in your county, call 1-800-686-1556 or use the online ODJFS County Directory
→ Ohio Legislation - to look up Ohio legislation related to paternity establishment or other areas of interest
→ The Ohio Administrative Code related to paternity establishment