Parents can legally establish paternity when a child is born out of wedlock by declaring the father is the natural father of the child. This is accomplished by signing the Acknowledgment of Paternity form (AOP) (form – 03PA209E). The AOP form is an official numbered Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) form, signed by both the mother and father of a child born out of wedlock in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma uses it to legally establish paternity, and completion of this form has the same legal effect as a court order.
When and What to Redact on an AOP
AOPs are included with some pleadings. When attaching an AOP to a pleading, some information must be redacted for confidentiality. For the parties on the case, redact the following information before filing:
- Social Security Number
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
Policy References
- OAC 340:25-5-176 Establishment of Parentage
- OAC 340:25-5-176.1 Challenges to establishment of Parentage
- OAC 340:75-6-31.5 Establishing Paternity for the Child in DHS Custody
Processes & Guides
- Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement
- Paternity Legal Review Process
- InfoNet At-A-Glance Reference Guide Paternity & Establishment
InfoNet Forms
- Acknowledgment of Paternity (03PA209E)
- Rescission of Acknowledgement of Paternity (03PA211E)
- Denial of Parentage (03PA210E)