If he enters an appearance, the judge can order genetic testing and make orders regarding child custody and support based on the results of the test. You will need the father’s name on the birth certificate to: Prove identity – Any child under the age of 18 will need any parent listed on the birth certificate present to sign documents for getting a passport, attending most schools, or getting a driver’s license. This means that birth names and registration rules will vary slightly from state to state. If the father is not on the birth certificate, he does not have to be there. Signature of Parent. He will also have more legal standing than someone else who says “I’m the father, not him!” Your name on the birth certificate would not guarantee you any visitation rights. Payment is by credit card. STEP 1: ESTABLISH PATERNITY In order to add a father's name to a birth certificate, he must first be established as the child’s legal father. Generally, putting your name on the birth certificate does not immediately confer paternity, though having your name on the birth certificate can often be used as a form of proof regarding the same at a later date. If the father’s name is not on the birth certificate, he needs to file a Declaration of Paternity to amend the birth certificate. Wiki User 2010-01-12 16:36:57. In general, if the father has already signed the birth certificate, it is very difficult for that person to claim that they are not the actual father. In this article, we explain the implications of a father’s name and signature being on a birth certificate, and what a father’s rights are if he is on the birth certificate of a minor child. If there's a good reason for not involving him with the child, I'd speak up. Here are the details. Establishing paternity means more than just having a father named on the child’s birth certificate. How do I apply for a birth certificate? How long does the real father have to sign the birth certificate after he takes a DNA test? How long does a mother have to sign the birth certificate after babies born? Read more on our Paternity page. Since there is one standard birth certificate application form for the entire U.S. but no standard birth certificate document, the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that there are 14,000 different birth certificate documents circulating in the United States. He doesn't have to sign the birth certificate, honestly the name thing is your choice but it takes 2 to make a baby, i wouldn't go based off of whether you were to break up or not. Even if father is not on the birth certificate, she can file a paternity action and name father as natural father and have him served with papers. Establishing paternity helps children: have a relationship with both parents; learn … Have parent review the Certificate of Live Birth for accuracy, read the statement contained in this section and sign this section certifying the accuracy of the certificate. We suggest that you ask only the mother to sign the birth certificate. Alternatively, even if the person on the birth certificate is not the actual father, but the court decides they are legally responsible, then all of the above rights just mentioned will be this person’s responsibility. The father’s details will not be included on the birth certificate. In addition to the standard birth certificate fee of $20, a $10 processing fee also applies. While many countries have birth certificate naming rules, the United States does not have a centralized system.