Skip to main content
(866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation (866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation

Establishing Paternity in New Jersey Is Important if You’re Not Married

| |

When the parents of a newborn are already married, they can both sign the birth certificate before leaving the hospital. Doing so establishes parentage and provides the spouses with the rights and responsibilities associated with it.

However, when parents are not married, only the mother can sign the birth certificate in the State of New Jersey. The only way the newborn’s father can add his name to the birth certificate by completing a Certificate of Parentage. If both the mother and father sign their section of the document before leaving the hospital, establishing paternity is free.

Parents can also complete the Certificate of Parentage after leaving the hospital, but there may be a filing charge.

Benefits of Establishing Paternity in New Jersey

By adding his name to the birth certificate, the father gains legal rights to the child and the rewards and responsibilities of fatherhood.

By establishing paternity, both parents can do the following:

  • Establish an emotional bond with the child
  • Share the responsibility of parenthood
  • Show commitment to the child

There are benefits for the child as well. When the father’s name is on the birth certificate, his child gains access to the following:

  • The father’s benefits, such as Social Security, health insurance, and veteran’s benefits if applicable
  • Both families’ medical histories and lineage information

The advantages of establishing paternity in New Jersey make it worth the time and effort.

If You’re Unsure Whether You’re the Father

If you do not know whether you are the baby’s biological father, you should not complete the Certificate of Parentage until you know for sure.

To find out if you’re the father, you’ll need to take a DNA test. Many labs in New Jersey offer DNA tests to establish paternity. You can ask your doctor for a referral or contact a nearby lab for further instruction. The state-run New Jersey Paternity Opportunity Office can also provide information about low-cost DNA tests through your local welfare agency.

If the DNA samples match 95 percent or greater, the court can issue an order of paternity. The father can then add his name to the birth certificate.

If you need to establish paternity in New Jersey, Petrelli Previtera, LLC can help. Our team can assist you with filing the necessary paperwork for voluntary paternity. We can also help you file for an involuntary paternity hearing or get a child support order. Contact us for more details.

Client Testimonials

They are amazing! I highly recommend anyone that is in need of assistance with child support hearings to seek out the expertise and experience of this law firm and staff! They handled my case quickly and I feel that my money was put to good use. Much appreciated! Nothing less than five stars!

Alana Deverson

I just want to say GREAT JOB! She is a no nonsense professional with years of experience that qualifies her as a skilled Family Law attorney. She is seasoned, sensitive, and most of all she cares. She made things easy for me. Definitely recommend!

Kimberly Colby

Overall I was pleased with the results of my divorce case. The entire Petrelli Previtera team truly cares about their clients. Luckily for me, I was paired up with an amazing team helping all the way. If you happen to work with this firm and with the lawyers you’ll be in great hands. It was such an excellent service and it was beyond I expected.

A Family Law Client Chevy Chase , MD

Serving Clients at the Following Locations

Bethesda4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda MD 20814(301) 234-7409view details
Maryland5425 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815(301) 889-8085view details
ChicagoTwo Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60601(312) 252-2085view details
Schaumburg1750 E. Golf Rd, Suite 382 Schaumburg, IL 60173(630) 491-9670view details
Texas500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701(512) 883-1684view details
Seattle2033 6th Ave, Seattle WA 98121(206) 231-5789view details
Washington DC1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20006(202) 519-0366view details
Denver7900 E. Union Ave. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237(720) 821-6440view details
New Jersey1020 Laurel Oak Road, Suite 203 Voorhees, NJ 08043(201) 655-7204view details
Princeton475 Wall St, Suite 214, Princeton, NJ 08540(609) 917 9560view details
Linwood210 New Road #15 Linwood, NJ 08221(609) 375-0351view details
Parsippany8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 310-5320view details
Philadelphia1845 Walnut Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 523-6900view details
Montgomery County516 DeKalb Street Suite C Norristown, PA 19401(610) 924-2870view details
Doylestown123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901(267) 938-4480view details
Abington1147 Easton Road, Abington PA 19001(610) 890-4833view details
West Chester203 W. Chestnut St., Suite 204
West Chester, PA. 19380
(610) 431-4012view details

schedule a consultation Today

Contact Us Fill out the form or call us today (866) 465-5395
Skip to content