Presumed Father

A person who holds one of the four presumptions of paternity listed in ARS 25-814. These include an individual who was married to the mother at any time within the 10 months preceding birth (including mother’s wife), a person who has DNA testing that confirms he is the father, a person listed on the birth certificate, or person for whom both parents have signed an Ackowledgment of Paternity. Once that Acknowledgment is filed with the state, paternity is generally conclusively established; however, there are exceptions: If another individual holds one of these presumptions, they too must sign the Acknowledgment to be valid or a Court must determine their presumption is invalid. Also, an Acknowledgment can be withdrawn within 60 days or challenged by another individual within six months.