A Voluntary Declaration of Paternity is a document that must be completed by both parents of the child.  It is an official document and the information entered in the document must be true.  If the mother was married at the time of the conception or birth and her husband is not the father, both her husband and the biological father must sign the Declaration. If either of the parents is under the age of 18, a guardian will also have to sign the Declaration.  If there is any doubt, a Voluntary Declaration should not be signed.

Signing a Voluntary Declaration determines the paternity of the child. It allows child support to be established for the child if the parents separate.  It does not determine any issues regarding parent-time or custody.

Once a Declaration is signed, the parents only have 60 days to rescind.  After that period, a Declaration can only be set aside based upon fraud.

A birth certificate does not have the same status as a Voluntary Declaration even if both parents sign the document.

For more detailed information see:

http://www.ors.state.ut.us/ORS-Stage/htm_files/FAQ_paternity.htm# How do I know if I should sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity?