How to Put Father on Birth Certificate in Texas

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How to Put Father on Birth Certificate in Texas

In Texas, it is important to establish paternity to legally recognize the father of a child. Establishing paternity not only ensures the father’s rights and responsibilities but also provides benefits and legal protections for the child. If you are seeking to put the father’s name on a birth certificate in Texas, follow these steps:

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): If both parents are in agreement about the child’s paternity, they can complete an AOP form. This form can be obtained from the hospital where the child was born, the local Vital Statistics Unit, or the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division. Both parents must sign the form in the presence of a notary public or another authorized witness. This form can be completed at any time after the child’s birth.

2. Hospital Paternity Acknowledgment (HPA): If the mother is unmarried at the time of the child’s birth, the father can sign an HPA form at the hospital. This form can be completed before the child leaves the hospital and is usually provided by the birth registrar or the hospital staff. Signing the HPA form ensures the father’s name is included on the birth certificate.

3. Court Order: If there is a dispute about the child’s paternity, either parent can file a lawsuit to establish paternity. Once a court determines the father’s identity, a court order can be obtained and submitted to the Vital Statistics Unit to include the father’s name on the birth certificate.

4. Amending the Birth Certificate: If a birth certificate has already been issued without the father’s name, it can be amended to include the father. The parents must complete an AOP or obtain a court order as mentioned above. Once the appropriate documentation is obtained, they can file an Application to Amend a Birth Certificate with the Texas Department of State Health Services.

FAQs

Q: Can the father’s name be added to the birth certificate later if it was not done at the time of birth?
A: Yes, the father’s name can be added to the birth certificate later by completing an AOP or obtaining a court order.

Q: Can the father’s name be added to the birth certificate if the mother is married to someone else?
A: If the mother is married to someone other than the biological father and they both agree to establish paternity, they can complete an AOP or obtain a court order to add the biological father’s name to the birth certificate.

Q: What if the father is deceased?
A: If the father is deceased, his name can still be included on the birth certificate by presenting a court order establishing paternity or an AOP signed before his death.

Q: What if the alleged father refuses to acknowledge paternity?
A: If the alleged father refuses to acknowledge paternity, the mother can file a lawsuit to establish paternity. A court will then determine paternity through genetic testing if necessary.

Q: Can paternity be established if the father is not a U.S. citizen or resides outside of Texas?
A: Yes, paternity can still be established if the father is not a U.S. citizen or resides outside of Texas. The process remains the same, and the father’s name can be added to the birth certificate through an AOP or court order.

Remember, establishing paternity is crucial for the well-being of both the child and the father. It is recommended to consult with an attorney or reach out to the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division for specific guidance and assistance in your situation.
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