questions & answers

Question: I am currently 5 months pregnant and the baby's father hasn't really been involved at all. He's leaving for a couple of months (for some job) and won't be back until after the baby is born so he will definitely miss the birth. If he's not there to sign the birth certificate do I have to list him as the father on the certificate? Can I leave his name out and just put mine. He's not interested in being a part of the baby's life so is there any way I can get sole custody?

Answer: The answer to your question depends on the circumstances.  Has the father signed an affidavit acknowledging paternity?  Has he filed a court action to establish paternity?  Are you and the father married?  If any of those things are true, he may be legally the father and entitled to have his name on the birth certificate.  In Arizona, both parents must fill out and sign form CS-127-PF to acknowledge paternity for the father's name to be put on the birth certificate at birth.  You will find the form at https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3059/Form-Acknowledgement-of-Paternity-AOP