Who The Father Is On Paper
N.J.S.A. 9:17-41 — a legal finding of paternity, and 60 days to rescind
In New Jersey, a father's relationship to a child may be established in several ways, among them a Certificate of Parentage executed before or after the birth, even by an unemancipated minor, and filed with the appropriate State agency. A signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity is a legal finding of paternity.
60 days to rescind. The signatory may rescind within 60 days of signing, or by the date a support order to which the signatory is a party is established, whichever is earlier.
After that. The adjudication is voided only on clear and convincing evidence of fraud, duress or a material mistake of fact, with the burden on the challenger, and the established relationship is the basis for a child support action without further evidentiary proceedings.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA minor cannot sign a Certificate of Parentage | What the law actually doesAn unemancipated minor may execute one |
| The assumptionA support case starts the whole question over | What the law actually doesThe established relationship is the basis for support without further evidentiary proceedings |
Paternity cases in court, genetic testing orders, custody and support amounts are not all on this page. Whether a particular acknowledgment can still be undone is a question for a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- N.J.S.A. 9:17-41 — Parent-child relationship established
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.