The easiest way to establish paternity is for the father to sign the VAP at the hospital. However, if the parents are in agreement in wanting to establish paternity, a VAP can be executed at any time after the birth of the child. This does not give the father any parenting rights, however it does obligate the father to pay child support. Parenting rights can be established after the fact to the extent such rights are in the best interest of the child by filing a petition for allocation of parenting time and responsibility.
