32 C.F.R. PART 81—PATERNITY CLAIMS AND ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING MEMBERS AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
Title 32 - National Defense
Authority: Sec. 301, 80 Stat. 379; (5 U.S.C. 301).
Source: 43 FR 15149, Apr. 11, 1978, unless otherwise noted.
This part reissued DoD Directive 1344.3, “Paternity Claims and Adoption Proceedings Involving Members and Former Members of the Armed Forces,” to standardize procedures for the handling of: (a) Paternity claims against members and former members of the Armed Forces, and (b) Requests from civilian courts concerning the availability of members and former members of the Armed Forces to appear at an adoption hearing where it is alleged that such member is the father of an illegitimate child. The provisions of this part apply to the Military Departments. (a) Members on active duty. (1) Allegations of paternity against members of the Armed Forces who are on active duty will be transmitted to the individual concerned by the appropriate military authorities. (2) If there exists a judicial order or decree of paternity or child support duly rendered by a United States or foreign court of competent jurisdiction against such a member, the commanding officer in the appropriate Military Departments will advise the member of his moral and legal obligations as well as his legal rights in the matter. See 42 U.S.C. 659. The member will be encouraged to render the necessary financial support to the child and take any other action considered proper under the circumstances. (3) Communications from a judge of a civilian court, including a court summons or a judical order, concerning the availability of personnel to appear at an adoption hearing, where it is alleged that an active duty member is the father of an illegitimate child, shall receive a reply that: (i) Due to military requirements, the member cannot be granted leave to attend any court hearing until (date), or (ii) A request by the member for leave to attend an adoption court hearing on (date), if made, would be approved, or (iii) The member has stated in a sworn written statement (forward a copy with response) that he is not the natural parent of the child, or (iv) Due to the member's unavaila-bility caused by a specific reason, a completely responsive answer cannnot be made. (4) The member should be informed of the inquiry and the response and urged to obtain legal assistance for guidance (including an explanation of sections of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. appendix, section 501 et seq., if appropriate). (b) Members not on active duty. (1) Allegations of paternity against members of the Armed Forces who are not on active duty shall be forwarded to the individual concerned in such manner as to ensure that the allegations are delivered to the addressee only. Military channels will be used when practicable. (2) Communications from a judge of a civilian court, including a court summons or judicial order, concerning the availability of personnel to appear at an adoption hearing, where it is alleged that the member not on active duty is the father of an illegitimate child shall receive a reply that such person is not on active duty. A copy of the communication and the reply will be forwarded to the named individual. (3) When requested by a court, the last known address of inactive members may be furnished under the same conditions as set forth for former members under paragraph (c)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section. (c) Former members. (1) In all cases of allegations of paternity against former members of the Armed Forces or communication from a judge of a civilian court, including a judicial summons or court order, concerning the adoption of an illegitimate child of former members of the Armed Forces who have been separated from the Military Services, i.e., those members now holding no military status whatsoever, the claimant or requester will be (i) informed of the date of discharge, and (ii) advised that the individual concerned is no longer a member of the Armed Forces in any capacity, and that the Military Departments assume no responsibility for the whereabouts of individuals no longer under their jurisdiction. The correspondence and all accompanying documentation shall be returned to the claimant or requester. (2) In addition, the last known address of the former member will be furnished to the requester: (i) If the request is supported by a certified copy of either: (A) A judicial order or decree of paternity or support duly rendered against a former member by a United States or foreign court of competent jurisdiction; or (B) A document which establishes that the former member has made an official admission or statement acknowledging paternity or responsibility for support of a child before a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative or executive agency, or official authorized to receive it; or (C) A court summons, judicial order, or similar document of a court within the United States in a case concerning the adoption of an illegitimate child; wherein the former serviceman is alleged to be the father. (ii) If the claimant, with the corroboration of a physician's affidavit, alleges and explains an unusual medical situation which makes it essential to obtain information from the alleged father to protect the physical health of either the prospective mother or the unborn child.
Title 32: National Defense
PART 81—PATERNITY CLAIMS AND ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING MEMBERS AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
Section Contents
§ 81.1 Reissuance and purpose.
§ 81.2 Applicability.
§ 81.3 Policy.
§ 81.1 Reissuance and purpose.
top
§ 81.2 Applicability.
top
§ 81.3 Policy.
top
