Paternity can be established administratively (in a Child Support Services case for child support), by voluntary acknowledgement of paternity, or by filing a Petition to Establish Paternity in juvenile court. 

Paternity can be established at the child’s birth while at the hospital.  Establishing paternity at the at birth puts the father’s name on the child’s original birth certificate. The hospital staff will explain the paternity acknowledgment process and provide the legal form.  You can find the information video here.   Paternity – English – YouTube 

Parents can establish paternity in Tennessee until the child reaches age 21; however, the VAoP process is available only until the child reaches age 19.. If either parent changes his or her mind, he or she have 60 days to rescind (cancel) the acknowledgment in writing.