Who The Father Is On Paper
RCW 26.26A.235 — sixty days to rescind, and four years to challenge
In Washington, a signatory may rescind an acknowledgment or denial of parentage by filing a signed rescission, notarized or witnessed, with the state registrar of vital statistics before the earlier of sixty days after it took effect, or the first court hearing about the child to which the signatory is a party, including one that establishes support.
Four years, on three grounds. After the rescission period, but not later than four years after the acknowledgment took effect, a signatory may challenge it only on the basis of fraud, duress or material mistake of fact.
Support continues. The court may not suspend the duty to pay child support during the challenge unless the challenger shows good cause, and the challenger has the burden of proof. Signing submits the signer to personal jurisdiction in the state for a challenge.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionThe window closes at sixty days no matter what | What the law actually doesIt closes earlier at the first hearing about the child |
| The assumptionA challenge can come at any time | What the law actually doesNot later than four years after the acknowledgment took effect |
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 Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 26.26A.235 — Procedure for rescission of an acknowledgment or denial of parentage
- RCW 26.26A.240 — Challenge after expiration of period for rescission
- RCW 26.26A.245 — Procedure for challenge of an acknowledgment or denial of parentage by signatory
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.