What is the Putative Father Registry?

A woman is pregnant, you may be the father but you’re not married.

A woman has given birth to a child, you think you’re the father, but you haven’t yet established paternity.

If you fall into either of these categories, you should consider registering with the Putative Father Registry.

The Ohio Putative Father Registry is a database that allows a man to register if he believes that he is the father of a child, whether born or unborn. Once registered, the father must be notified if the child is put up for adoption.

Failing to register puts the possible father in risk of having his child given up for adoption without notice.

Registration doesn’t cost anything and can be done online through Ohio Job and Family Services. The link for the online form is: https://pfrpub.odjfs.state.oh.us/pfrweb/webforms/home.aspx

A form can also be printed off line and submited. It can be obtained from: www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/inter.asp.

In order for an unmarried father to have custody or visitation with his child, he must petition the court. Paternity must be established before the court will consider the issue of custody or visitation. Paternity can be established through a paternity affidavit, CSEA or the court. For assistance navigating the establishment of paternity and custody or visitation, seek an Ohio family law attorney.