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The Big Picture

Explains that parentage is a legal relationship between a parent and a child, and the responsibilities of that relationship.
More on Parentage basics
I want a person's name removed or put on a birth record
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Establishing parentage when the mother agreesHow-To
If the mother agrees that you are a parent of their child, you can both sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage (VAP) to establish parentage. If it is only signed by one parent, it is not official.
Registering with the Putative Father RegistryHow-To
Steps to register with the Putative Father Registry to have a say in whether a child is adopted.
Starting a case for parentage through DHFSHow-To
Steps to establish parentage through a hearing and genetic testing with Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
Starting a case for parentage in courtHow-To
Steps to establish parentage from the forms you need to the court hearing process.

To change a birth record, contact:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 East Ridgely Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702-2737

Last full review by a subject matter expert
January 23, 2025
Last revised by staff
May 24, 2020

About our legal information

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Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

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What is a paternity test? Text article
A paternity test compares the DNA of a child, mother, and an alleged father to see if the man is or is not the biological father of a child.
Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage or VAP basics Text article
A VAP is a legal form that establishes a legal relationship between a parent and a child. Both parents must sign the form. Once it is signed, it is very hard to undo.
My rights and responsibilities once parentage is established Text article
A parent has the right to parenting time (visitation) with a child. They can also ask for decision-making power over the child. They must also pay child support.
Undoing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) Text article
Options for giving up a legal relationship with a child after the legal form has already been signed by both parents.
I want a person's name removed or put on a birth record Text article
Options for changing a birth record if paternity has been established or rejected.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

Explains that parentage is a legal relationship between a parent and a child, and the responsibilities of that relationship.
More on Parentage basics

What’s next?

You have learned the basics. Choose what you would like to do next.

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Take action

Follow step-by-step instructions for handling your legal issue.

arrow
Establishing parentage when the mother agreesHow-To
If the mother agrees that you are a parent of their child, you can both sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage (VAP) to establish parentage. If it is only signed by one parent, it is not official.
Registering with the Putative Father RegistryHow-To
Steps to register with the Putative Father Registry to have a say in whether a child is adopted.
Starting a case for parentage through DHFSHow-To
Steps to establish parentage through a hearing and genetic testing with Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
Starting a case for parentage in courtHow-To
Steps to establish parentage from the forms you need to the court hearing process.
icon

Learn more

Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

arrow
What is a paternity test? Text article
A paternity test compares the DNA of a child, mother, and an alleged father to see if the man is or is not the biological father of a child.
Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage or VAP basics Text article
A VAP is a legal form that establishes a legal relationship between a parent and a child. Both parents must sign the form. Once it is signed, it is very hard to undo.
My rights and responsibilities once parentage is established Text article
A parent has the right to parenting time (visitation) with a child. They can also ask for decision-making power over the child. They must also pay child support.
Undoing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) Text article
Options for giving up a legal relationship with a child after the legal form has already been signed by both parents.
I want a person's name removed or put on a birth record Text article
Options for changing a birth record if paternity has been established or rejected.