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Final Order on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment

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Findings and Conclusions on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial

RCW 26.26.335, .340
Mandatory Form (07/2017)
FL Parentage 347
Findings on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial
p. 1 of 10

Superior Court of Washington, County of

In re parentage:

Petitioner (person who started this case):

And Respondent/s:


Child over age 2:

No.

Findings and Conclusions on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial

1. Basis for findings and conclusions (check all that apply):

Parties’ agreement

Default order (date):

Order after Sexual Assault Fact-Finding Hearing on (date):

Trial for this case on (date): , with the following people present (check all that apply):

Birth Mother (name): This person’s lawyer

Legal Guardian (name): This person’s lawyer

Acknowledged Father (name): This person’s lawyer

Presumed Parent (name): This person’s lawyer

Alleged Parent (name): This person’s lawyer

Guardian ad Litem for the child (name):

Other (name and relationship to this case):

Other (name and relationship to this case):

The Court makes the following findings of fact and conclusions of law:

2. Notice and Personal Jurisdiction

All people with a right to receive notice of this case were served with the Summons and Petition. except (name/s): .

The court can decide this case for the Birth Mother, Acknowledged Father and Presumed Parent (if any) because they each agreed to personal jurisdiction in Washington by signing a Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial of Paternity that was filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.

Alleged Parent (if any) – (Respondent’s name): is an Alleged Parent. S/he did not sign a Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial.

The court has personal jurisdiction over this person because s/he (check all that apply):

was personally served in this state.

lives in this state now.

lived in this state with the child.

lived in this state and paid for pregnancy costs or support for the child.

did or said something that caused the child to live in this state.

had sex in this state, which may have produced the child.

signed an agreement to join this Petition or other document agreeing that the court can decide his or her rights in this case.

other (specify):

The court does not have personal jurisdiction (authority to make decisions) over this person.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The court has personal jurisdiction over all parties to this case. except (name/s):

3. Child

This case is about a Paternity Acknowledgment (and Denial, if any) for the following child:

Child’s name

Birth date (month / day / year)

The Acknowledgment (and Denial, if any) was filed with the Washington State Registrar of Vital Statistics on (date): .

4. Effective Date

The court concludes that the Paternity Acknowledgment (and Denial, if any) became effective on (date): . This is either the date the child was born, or the date the Paternity Acknowledgment (and Denial, if any) was filed with the Washington State Registrar of Vital Statistics, whichever happened later.

5. Challenge Deadline

This case was started on (date): . This is the date the Petition was either filed or served, whichever happened first.

This case was started (check one):

before the deadline for challenging the Paternity Acknowledgment (and Denial, if any) because the Petition was filed or served (check one):

• more than 60 days after the Effective Date listed above;

• after any person who signed the Acknowledgment or Denial turned 19, if s/he was under 18 when s/he signed; and

• less than four years after the Effective Date listed above.

Conclusion: The court should decide this case.

after the deadline for challenging the Paternity Acknowledgment (and Denial, if any) because the Petition was filed or served more than four years after the Effective Date listed above.

Conclusion: The court should deny the Petition. (Skip to section 17.)

too soon. This case was started before the time for filing a Petition to Withdraw (Rescind) the Acknowledgment or Denial had ended.

The Petition was filed or served (check all that apply):

less than 60 days after the Effective Date listed above.

before (name): turned 19.

This person was under 18 when s/he signed the Acknowledgment or Denial.

Conclusion: The court should (check one):

deny the Petition. (Skip to section 17.)

other (specify):

6. Reason/s for Challenge

The Petitioner claimed the Paternity Acknowledgement or Denial was signed because of fraud, duress (pressure or force), or material mistake of fact.

Conclusion: The Acknowledgment and Denial, if any, should be declared (check one):

Invalid. The Petitioner proved that the (check all that apply):

Paternity Acknowledgment

Denial of Paternity

was signed because of: (check all that apply):

fraud.

duress (pressure or force).

material mistake of fact.

Valid. The Petitioner did not prove that the Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial of Paternity was signed because of fraud, duress (pressure or force), or material mistake of fact.

The court makes this conclusion based on the following facts (check all that apply):

the genetic test results described below.

other evidence (describe):

7. Allegation of Parentage Resulting From Sexual Assault

There was no allegation of sexual assault resulting in the birth of a child.

There was an allegation of sexual assault resulting in the birth of a child.

See the Order after Sexual Assault Fact-Finding Hearing signed by the court on (date): . The Findings and Conclusions from that order are made a part of this order. The court has determined that the sexual assault allegation was:

proved.

not proved.

8. Guardian ad Litem

Does not apply.

The Court appointed (name): Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for the child.

The court has considered the report and recommendations of the GAL.

Other (specify):

9. Genetic Testing Admitted

Does not apply. Either genetic testing was not done, or the results were not admitted. (Skip to 10.)

Genetic paternity testing was done and the results were admitted as evidence. The testing was done by (check one): court order agreement of the Birth Mother, Acknowledged Father and Presumed Parent (if any).

Who was tested? (check all that apply):

Acknowledged Father – The person who signed the Paternity Acknowledgment, (name): . The test results (Check one):

show a 99% or greater probability that the Acknowledged Father is the child’s biological parent.

exclude the Acknowledged Father as a biological parent.

Presumed Parent – The person who signed the Denial of Paternity, (name): . The test results (Check one):

show a 99% or greater probability that the Presumed Parent is the child’s biological parent.

exclude the Presumed Parent as a biological parent.

Alleged Parent – A possible father who did not sign a Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial, (name): . The test results (Check one):

show a 99% or greater probability that the Alleged Parent is the child’s biological parent.

exclude the Alleged Parent as a biological parent.

Test Results Challenged – The test results for (name): were challenged by (name): . The court concludes that the challenged test results (check one): are are not valid because (specify):

Other (specify):

Conclusion: (Check one):

The court should decide parentage according to the genetic test results described above.

The court should not decide parentage according to the genetic test results described above because the court found the test results are invalid.

The court should not decide parentage according to the genetic test results described above based on the Order after Sexual Assault Fact-Finding hearing.

10. Genetic Testing Not Admitted

Does not apply. Genetic testing results were admitted. (Skip to 11.)

Genetic testing was not done, or the results were not admitted.

Conclusion: (Check all that apply):

Not admitted – The genetic testing results were not admitted because the testing was done without either a court order or agreement of the necessary parties (everyone who signed the Acknowledgment and Denial if any).

Not ordered – The court concludes that ordering genetic testing is not in the child’s best interest after considering the report and recommendation of the child’s Guardian ad Litem. The court should decide that the Acknowledged Parent is the legal parent of the child, and the Presumed Parent (if any) is not the legal parent of this child.

This conclusion is based on the following (check all that apply):

See Order on Motion for Genetic Testing.

(Describe clear and convincing evidence why testing is not in the child’s best interest):

11. Child’s Name

The child’s name should not be changed.

The child’s name should be changed as listed in the Final Order on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial.

12. Jurisdiction over the Child (RCW 26.27.201 – .221, .231, .261, .271)

Does not apply. No one requested a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule for the child or asked the court to decide who the child should live with most of the time.

The court cannot approve a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule for this child or decide who this child should live with most of the time because the court does not have jurisdiction over this child.

The court can approve a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule for this child and decide who this child should live with most of the time because (check all that apply):

Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction – A Washington court has already made a custody order or parenting plan for the child, and the court still has authority to make other orders for the child.

Home state jurisdiction – Washington is the child’s home state because (check all that apply):

The child lived in Washington with a parent or someone acting as a parent for at least the 6 months just before this case was filed, or if the child was less than 6 months old when the case was filed, s/he had lived in Washington with a parent or someone acting as a parent since birth.

There were times the child was not in Washington in the 6 months just before this case was filed (or since birth if s/he was less than 6 months old), but those were temporary absences.

The child does not live in Washington right now, but Washington was the child’s home state some time in the 6 months just before this case was filed, and a parent or someone acting as a parent of the child still lives in Washington.

The child does not have another home state.

13. Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule

Does not apply.

The court has jurisdiction over the child as listed in section 12 above. (Check one):

The court signed the final Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule filed separately today or on (date):

No one requested a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule. The child has been living with (name): most of the time. The child should continue to live with this parent most of the time. This parent should be named the child’s custodian.

No Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule should be entered based on the Order after Sexual Assault Fact-Finding Hearing.

The plan, schedule or custodian is approved (check one):

by default. The court considered the court record.

by agreement of both parents without a contested hearing. The court considered the parties’ agreement and the following evidence, if any: .

after a summary judgment hearing. The court considered the evidence listed in the Summary Judgment Order.

after trial. The court considered all of the evidence admitted at trial.

The court does not have jurisdiction over the child as listed in section 12 above. Therefore, the court cannot approve a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule, or decide who the child should live with most of the time.

Other (specify):

14. Child Support

Does not apply.

(Name): is not a legal parent of the child.

Conclusion: His/her obligation to support the child should end on the date listed in the Order on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial.

No child support should be established or collected based on the Order after Sexual Assault Fact-Finding Hearing.

The court signed the final Child Support Order and Worksheets filed separately today or on (date):

There is no need for the court to order child support because the DSHS Division of Child Support (DCS) has already established an administrative child support order for the child in DCS case number: .

Other (specify):

15. Protection Order

No one requested an Order for Protection in this case.

(Name): requested an Order for Protection in this case.

Conclusion: The court should (check one):

not approve a protection order because:

approve a protection order because:

16. Restraining Order

No one requested a Restraining Order in this case.

(Name): requested a Restraining Order.

Conclusion: The court should:

not approve a Restraining Order because:

approve a Restraining Order because:

17. Fees and Costs

Each party should pay his or her own fees and costs.

Lawyer’s fees were awarded in the Order after Sexual Assault Fact-Finding Hearing and should be included in the Final Order.

(Name): incurred fees and costs, and needs help to pay those fees and costs. (Name): has the ability to help pay fees and costs and should be ordered to pay the amount as listed in the Final Order. The court finds that the amount ordered is reasonable.

Fees for a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or other court-appointed professional should be paid as listed in the Final Order. The court has considered relevant factors including each party’s ability to pay, and finds the fees as ordered are reasonable.

Other findings:

18. Other findings or conclusions (if any)

 

Date

 

Judge or Commissioner

Petitioner and Respondent or their lawyers fill out below.

This document (check any that apply):

is an agreement of the parties

is presented by me

may be signed by the court without notice to me

 

Petitioner signs here or lawyer signs here + WSBA #

Print Name Date

This document (check any that apply):

is an agreement of the parties

is presented by me

may be signed by the court without notice to me

 

Respondent signs here or lawyer signs here + WSBA #

Print Name Date

RCW 26.26.335, .340
Mandatory Form (07/2017)
FL Parentage 347
Findings on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment or Denial
p. 9 of 10

This document (check any that apply):

is an agreement of the parties

is presented by me

may be signed by the court without notice to me

 

Other Respondent or lawyer signs here + WSBA #

Print Name Date

This document (check any that apply):

is an agreement of the parties

is presented by me

may be signed by the court without notice to me

 

Other party or Guardian ad Litem signs here + WSBA #

Print Name Date

If any parent or child received public assistance:

The state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) was notified about this order through the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, and has reviewed and approved the following:

Child support

Medical support

Past due child support

Other (specify):

 

Deputy Prosecutor signs here

Print name and WSBA #

Date

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What the Final Order on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment Is

Final Order on Petition to Challenge Paternity Acknowledgment is a court-issued judgment resolving a petition that seeks to set aside or modify a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. The order records the court’s findings about parentage, directs any amendment to the birth record when warranted, and specifies legal effects for child support, custody, visitation, and parental rights. It follows notice, evidence (often DNA or other proof), and statutory procedures; once entered, the order functions as a final judgment subject to appeal or other post-judgment remedies under applicable state rules.

Why a Clear Final Order Matters for Parentage and Records

A well-drafted final order provides legal certainty: it documents the court’s factual findings, instructs agencies to change official records when appropriate, and creates enforceable terms for support and custody. Clear language reduces post-judgment disputes and simplifies administrative updates to vital records.

Why a Clear Final Order Matters for Parentage and Records

Who Typically Prepares and Relies on This Final Order

Several parties use or rely on a final order after a paternity challenge; understanding roles helps ensure correct preparation and service.

  • Petitioners (alleged fathers) who seek to overturn or modify a voluntary acknowledgment and establish or disestablish legal parentage.
  • Respondents (mothers or acknowledged fathers) who must respond, appear at hearings, and provide or contest evidence.
  • Family law attorneys, court clerks, child support agencies, and vital records offices that implement the order’s directives.

Accurate preparation and clear distribution to courts and agencies prevent enforcement gaps and reduce the likelihood of appeals or administrative delays.

Typical Signatories and Their Roles

Petitioner — Alleged Father

The petitioner initiates the challenge and must present credible evidence (for example, DNA) to support modification or rescission of an acknowledgment. The petitioner is responsible for proper service, compliance with statutory timelines, and attending hearings; mistakes in identity or service can delay or dismiss the petition.

Respondent — Mother/Other Party

The respondent opposes or responds to the petition, may offer counter-evidence, and has procedural rights including notice, the opportunity to be heard, and to request testing. Agencies relying on the order (child support, vital records) typically require a certified copy for administrative updates.

Essential Data Elements and Security Considerations

Case Caption: Names, court, county
Case Number: Official court identifier
Findings Summary: Factual parentage findings
Order Directives: Record amendment instructions
Audit Trail: Timestamps and signer ID
Privacy Controls: Restricted access protocols

Principal Risks and Consequences of Errors

Invalid Service: May void proceedings or require re-service
Missing Findings: Leads to ambiguous enforcement terms
Incorrect Names: Can prevent agency record updates
Late Filing: May be time-barred under state law
Perjury Risk: False testimony may trigger criminal charges
Administrative Rejection: Vital records may decline uncertified or flawed orders

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Failing to include a complete case caption and court identifier, which can cause clerks or agencies to misfile or reject the order.
  • Omitting explicit directives to vital records offices, resulting in no birth-record amendment despite the court’s intent.
  • Using vague corrective language instead of clear, actionable orders, leaving enforcement and interpretation to later litigation.
  • Neglecting to preserve chain-of-custody documentation for DNA evidence, which courts often require for reliable parentage findings.

How Final Orders Work in Practice

Two short examples show typical outcomes and practical follow-through after a final order is entered.

Case Study 1

A putative father files to rescind a voluntary acknowledgment based on new DNA evidence

  • Court orders genetic testing, confirms non-paternity
  • The judge issues a final order directing the vital records office to amend the birth certificate and terminates the father’s support obligation prospectively while preserving the child’s prior benefits.

Case Study 2

A mother contests a late paternity challenge by an alleged father

  • Hearing emphasizes credibility and chain-of-custody for prior testing
  • The court clarifies parentage findings, issues a detailed final order that updates custody language, and provides explicit instructions for child support agencies to follow.

Step-by-Step: How a Final Order Is Obtained

Follow these sequential steps to file, adjudicate, and finalize a petition to challenge a paternity acknowledgment.

  • 01
    Prepare Petition: Draft petition stating grounds and attach supporting evidence.
  • 02
    Serve Parties: Serve respondent and any interested parties per state rules.
  • 03
    Hearing & Evidence: Present DNA, testimony, and documentary proof at hearing.
  • 04
    Entry of Final Order: Judge issues order, amends records, and sets enforcement terms.

Practical Flow from Filing to Record Amendment

The practical workflow aligns court steps with administrative updates to ensure the order produces intended effects.

  • File Petition: Clerk assigns case number and schedules proceedings.
  • Service & Notices: Proper service triggers response deadlines and hearing dates.
  • Court Decision: Judge issues findings and a signed final order.
  • Administrative Update: Certified order sent to vital records and support agencies.

Key Components Every Professional Final Order Should Include

Ensure your final order contains discrete sections so it is clear to judges, agencies, and affected parties what was decided and what must happen next.

Caption

Complete case caption with court name, county, and case number so agencies and clerks can identify and file the order correctly.

Findings of Fact

Concise factual findings about parentage and evidence presented; these facts support the legal conclusions and any amendments to official records.

Conclusions of Law

Legal conclusions tying facts to applicable statutes or standards, framing the court’s authority to modify acknowledgments or direct record changes.

Order Language

Clear, directive language specifying precisely what is to be amended, rescinded, or established, and whether actions are prospectively or retroactively effective.

Record Amendment

Explicit instruction to the vital records office to amend, annotate, or reissue the birth certificate, including required certified copy routing.

Enforcement Terms

Details for child support agencies, custody enforcement, and notice to other agencies; include any payment, lien, or compliance deadlines.

How to Configure an Online Workflow for this Order

Configure an e-filing and signing workflow to collect accurate data, authenticate signers, and produce a court-ready signed order.

Field Configuration
Case Caption Auto-fill from court intake or template
Signature Blocks Require typed name, date, and signer email
Authentication Use email plus SMS or ID verification
Audit Trail Capture timestamps, IP, and action log

Digital Signing and File Format Requirements

Choose a platform that supports commonly accepted file formats, secure signer authentication, and verifiable audit trails.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Court e-file and cloud storage
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA

Typical Timelines and Deadlines to Track

Key deadlines—including service, hearing scheduling, and appeal windows—are frequently state-specific; track them carefully to preserve rights.

Statutory Challenge Period:

Time to challenge an acknowledgment varies by state; confirm local statute for exact limits.

Service Deadline:

Service must meet state process-service rules to proceed to hearing.

Hearing Scheduling:

Clerks set hearing dates based on local calendars and caseloads.

Appeal Period:

Appeal windows commonly range from 10 to 30 days; check state appellate rules.

Agency Processing:

Vital records updates may take weeks depending on certification and agency workload.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Final Orders

Comparing basic pricing and key technical features helps choose a platform that supports secure signing, audit trails, and regulatory compliance.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Final Orders and Challenges

Answers to common procedural and practical questions about petitions to challenge paternity acknowledgments and the resulting final orders.


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