Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)

An Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) is a legal document that establishes a man as the biological father of a child. This process often occurs when parents are not married at the time of the child’s birth. By signing the AOP, both parents agree on the paternity, which helps secure the child's legal rights to benefits like inheritance, insurance, and child support. The AOP can typically be completed at the hospital after the child's birth or filed later with the appropriate government office. It’s important for establishing parental rights and responsibilities.