Paternity

Paternity simply means fatherhood. Under the law, paternity is an acknowledgement of the parental relationship between a father and a child. Once paternity is established, the father has complete rights, duties and obligations as to the child, regardless of whether he is the biological parent or not.

Why Establishing Paternity is Important?

Establishing paternity is important because it provides the child with many potential benefits:

• Child will be eligible for the father's governmental benefits such as social security or veteran's dependent benefits.
• Paternity provides child with a full family medical history. This helps doctors select the right treatments, should the child become sick later in life.
• Child may qualify for medical insurance coverage under the father's health plan and could become a beneficiary of life insurance policy and inheritance benefits.
• Child will become eligible for financial support from both parents (child support).
• Child will also feel a better since of belonging by know both parents.

Paternity Informational Guides

The following guides will help you understand more about paternity including how to properly establish paternity, information about paternity tests, and information on paternity fraud.

• Learn the different ways and steps you can take to establish paternity.
• Take a look at the current news on paternity issues.