Virginia Putative Fatherhood

You are considered a putative father, if:

• You are not married to the child's mother; or
• A court has not determined that you are the child's father; or
• You have not signed a written agreement acknowledging you are the child's father; or
• You have not adopted the child.

How Virginia Protects Putative Father Rights

Virginia has established a confidential database called The Virginia Putative Father Registry, that is designed to protect a putative father's rights by:

• Helping to establish paternity
• Notifying you of termination of parental rights or adoption proceedings for a child you may have fathered

The Virginia Putative Father Registry

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Register as a Putative Father (PDF, Online Registration)
• Request to Search Registry (PDF)
• Questions or comments may be directed by phone to (877) 433-2339 or by e-mail to PutativeFather@dss.virginia.gov