What information must an applicant be given before he signs an acknowledgment of paternity?

Full question:

I am a resident of Wyoming. My boyfriend is planning to sign an acknowledgment of paternity with respect to our child. What information must an applicant be given before he signs an acknowledgment of paternity?

• Category: Paternity
• Subcategory: Acknowledgment
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Wyoming

Answer:

In Wyoming, before a mother and a man sign an acknowledgment of paternity the mother and the alleged father may be provided notice orally or through an audio or video equipment and may be notified about the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that may arise if they sign the acknowledgment of paternity affidavit. The relevant statutory provision in this regard is stated below.

Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-602 reads:

“(d) Before a mother and a man claiming to be the genetic father of a child can sign an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit, the mother and the alleged father shall be provided notice orally or through use of video or audio equipment and in writing of the alternatives to, the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that arise from, signing the acknowledgment of paternity affidavit. If either the mother or the alleged father is a minor, any rights that attach as a result of the status as a minor shall also be provided orally or through the use of video or audio equipment and in writing, in addition to any other requirements of this subsection.”