Confused about Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP)? It's a common way to establish paternity, often done right at the hospital. Here's what you need to know: 1 What Is VAP? It's THE CONTRACT THEY NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT Most people think the Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) is about fatherhood. In truth it's about legal custody, jurisdiction, and commercial liability. Here's Untitled VPA Child Welfare Research & Training Project