Every birthing hospital in the state of Iowa is required to provide information to unmarried parents regarding how to establish paternity. CWRTP developed a program to help hospital employees, community organization employees, and unmarried parents to understand the importance of paternity.

The Voluntary Paternity Affidavit (VPA) is a free form that legally establishes a legal father. Unmarried parents will receive a VPA at their birth hospital. The biological parents of child can complete the form any time after the child's birth. There is no age limit to establish a father through the VPA.

The legal father is whom the law recognizes as the father of the child. Legal fathers have the duty to support their children financially. When parents do not live together, the VPA can be used to get child and medical support orders.

The United Way of Greater Fort Dodge's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax preparation for individuals and families who qualify based on our income guidelines and ensure taxpayers take advantage of every tax credit for which they are eligible such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Please call the VITA Director at 515.571.3381 with any questions or to make an appointment. If she is unavailable or out of the office, please leave a voicemail with your contact information and she will call you back to set up an appointment. Appointments are available Monday and Thursday 5-8 PM and Friday 12 PM - 5 PM and Saturdays 9 AM - 2 PM starting January 30 and going through April 15. More information is available at www.unitedwayfd.org/cms-view-page.php?page=free-tax-preparation.