Affidavit of Paternity / Maternity: Meaning, Purpose, and Sample Form
An Affidavit of Paternity / Maternity is a sworn legal document executed by a biological father or mother acknowledging or confirming parental relationship with a child. This affidavit is commonly used to establish filiation, support civil registry records, and comply with legal, school, passport, or government requirements.
In the Philippines, this affidavit is often submitted to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registrar to support birth registration, correction of records, legitimation, or the use of a parent’s surname. The affidavit must be truthful and supported by valid documents.
When Is an Affidavit of Paternity / Maternity Required?
This affidavit is commonly required for the following purposes:
- Acknowledgment of a biological child
- Birth registration or correction of birth records
- Use of the father’s or mother’s surname
- School, passport, or travel requirements
- Legal and civil registry documentation
Supporting documents may include the child’s birth certificate, parent’s valid IDs, and other records required by the civil registrar.
What Should Be Included in the Affidavit?
A valid Affidavit of Paternity / Maternity should include:
- Complete details of the parent (affiant)
- Complete details of the child
- Clear acknowledgment of biological relationship
- Purpose of executing the affidavit
- Affiant’s signature and notarization
Sample Affidavit of Paternity / Maternity (Editable Template)
Replace all bracketed information below with the correct details before printing and notarization.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
[CITY / MUNICIPALITY]
[PROVINCE]
AFFIDAVIT OF PATERNITY / MATERNITY
I, [FULL NAME OF PARENT], of legal age, [citizenship], [civil status], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:
1. That I am the biological [father / mother] of [FULL NAME OF CHILD], who was born on [date of birth] at [place of birth].
2. That I am voluntarily acknowledging my parental relationship with the said child.
3. That I am executing this affidavit to formally declare my paternity/maternity and for purposes of birth registration, correction of records, or any other legal or official purpose.
4. That this affidavit is executed freely and voluntarily, without force, intimidation, or undue influence.
5. That the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this [day] day of [month, year] at [place of execution].
_________________________________
[FULL NAME OF PARENT]
Affiant
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [day] day of [month, year] at [place], the affiant presenting competent proof of identity.
_________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC
Doc. No. _____;
Page No. _____;
Book No. _____;
Series of _____.
Disclaimer: This template is for general reference only. For paternity or maternity concerns, follow PSA and civil registrar requirements or consult a lawyer.