In Tennessee, an unmarried father can establish paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form, either at the hospital at the time of the child's birth or at a later date. If there is a dispute or if the mother is receiving public assistance, the state may issue an administrative order, or the mother can file a petition with the court to establish paternity. In both cases, a DNA test will be conducted, and if it confirms the father's identity, his paternity will be legally recognized.