Establishing Paternity

By establishing paternity, you give your child a legal father.  This is important to the father, mother and child.  Both the father and the mother should share in the emotional, financial and legal responsibilities in caring for their child.  Parents working together with the child’s best interest in mind, can positively impact the child’s well-being, sense of security and outlook for the future.  The Department of Human Services and your local child support office are committed to working with both parents in establishing paternity.  

The child support office can schedule DNA testing to determine whether or not the individual is the father.   After positive DNA testing results are returned to the local child support office from the certified DNA lab, paternity will be established through court order.

It is extremely important that both parties attend court hearings that are set to Establish Paternity and Set Support.

Upcoming Kids and Family Resource Fairs

These free community events are an opportunity for Tennessee families to connect with the Paternity Program and other health, wellness and social supports and organizations and receive free baby supplies (while supplies last).

McMinnville | September 20, 2024 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm CST

McMinnville Farmers Market |100 Market St. |McMinnville, TN 37110

Jackson | September 27, 2024 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm CST

Find other community happenings on the Tennessee Department of Human Services Events page.

Additional Information

Department of Human Services – Informational Brochures

Establishing Paternity (English)  (Spanish) (Arabic) (Russian) (Ukrainian) (Swahili)

Paternity Guide for Dads (English)  (Spanish)

Paternity Guide for Moms (English)  (Spanish)

Special note:   If you print the paternity brochures on ”both sides of the paper”, also select “flip on short edge”.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions regarding Establishment of Paternity and DNA testing, you may contact your local child support office.  Click here to find the office which serves the county in which you live.