Understanding Paternity in Vermont: Establishing Legal Fatherhood ⚖️ Establishing paternity is the critical first step in securing rights and responsibilities as a father in Vermont. It legally identifies you as the child’s father, granting you rights regarding custody, visitation, and decision-making. Conversely, it also obligates you to provide financial support. How is Paternity Established? There are several ways to establish paternity in Vermont: 🤝 Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity: If both parents agree on the father's identity, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Parentage form at the hospital when the child is born or later at the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF). This form, when properly completed and filed, legally establishes paternity. 🏢 Paternity Order Through DCF: The DCF has the authority to establish paternity administratively, particularly when seeking child support. They can issue an order based on genetic testing res...
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