Ready To Help You With Voluntary Acknowledgements Of Parentage
Your parental rights are deeply important. If you are an unmarried parent, one thing that could prove very helpful in protecting them is a Voluntary Acknowledgements of Parentage (VAP). Turn to our experienced voluntary acknowledgement lawyers at Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP, for answers and guidance you can trust when it comes to these important family law documents. With offices in North Adams and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Bennington, Vermont, we serve parents throughout western Massachusetts and southern Vermont.
What Is A VAP?
A Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage is a legal document through which unmarried parents can establish paternity by agreement. It can create a formal legal relationship between a biological/presumed/intended father and a child. VAPs are available in both Massachusetts and Vermont.
The Importance Of A VAP
VAPs offer a relatively easy and cost-effective route for establishing who a child’s legal parents are. The establishment of paternity can be critical for unmarried parents when it comes to asserting their child custody and child support rights.
What Is Required To Create A VAP?
In Massachusetts and Vermont, to have a valid VAP, you need to:
- Complete a VAP form with all the required information
- Have both parents sign the form
- Have the signing witnessed (in Vermont) or notarized (in Massachusetts)
- File the document with the appropriate agency
Our voluntary acknowledgment lawyers can assist you with all aspects of getting an enforceable VAP in place.
Can You Sign A VAP At The Hospital?
Yes, you can complete a VAP at the hospital after the birth. Typically, after the document is signed and witnessed/notarized, a birth registrar or other hospital staff member can assist you with filing it.
Can A VAP Be Created Later?
Yes, unmarried parents can generally file this document on their own at any time.
Will A VAP Change The Birth Certificate?
Whether forming a VAP will automatically add the legal father’s name to a birth certificate depends on the state. In Massachusetts, it will. In Vermont, it will only if you file the VAP within six months of the time of birth. After six months, you need a probate division order to change the birth certificate.
Reach Out To Us For Trusted Answers
Considering a VAP? Turn to our family law attorneys for knowledgeable, solutions-focused guidance. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your questions and concerns. You can connect with us through email or by phone at 802-442-3233 in Vermont or 413-663-3200 in Massachusetts.