[VickyLynne]

I can't seem to get a straight answer to my question from other sources so I am trying here. My son was born in New Jersey, he's 15. His father was not present for the birth so is not on the birth certificate (we are not married and never were). We would like his father's name on the birth certificate (and his father agrees). I called the township that my son was born and they said that after age 7 you need an attorney to have this done. Another township said this was not true, that all i need to do is go to the township with mine and his father's birthcertificate and ID. I have been trying to get in touch with Trenton to see which is true and I can not seem to get in touch with them. My question is, in New Jersey, do i need to obtain an attorney to have my 15 year son's father put on his birth certificate? Thank you.

[aaron]

According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Child Support website,

The OCSPP has a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity program called the Paternity Opportunity Program, or POP. Through POP, a father can sign a Certificate of Parentage and it will have the same force and effect as a court order or a judgment of paternity.

If a voluntary acknowledgement is signed anywhere other than the hospital or local registrar's office or if established by the court, the parents must request that the father's name is placed on the birth certificate. This is not done automatically.

Before signing the Certificate of Parentage, both parents will be notified in writing what signing the document means, their rights in this process and the other options they have.

Either party may:

* Request genetic testing before signing the certificate; or
* Have a change of mind about signing the certificate within 60 days of signing.

By signing the Certificate of Parentage, the alleged father becomes responsible for child support and health care coverage for the child, and the OCSPP may seek, modify and enforce orders regarding support issues.

It is important to establish paternity as a link to your child's past. Just the knowledge of the father's name and of his medical history can help your child in years to come.

If the parties refuse to sign the certificate and no complaint has been filed to establish paternity, then a complaint will need to be filed in court. The parties will then be required to undergo genetic testing.

Office of Child Support Enforcement
Division of Family Development
Department of Human Services
Office of Child Support and Paternity Programs CN
716 Trenton, NJ 08625-0716
Phone: 609-588-2402
Fax: 609-588-3369