Why should paternity be established through the Courts?

Paternity should be established through the Courts so that the parents can be held legally responsible for their own children. The child will also gain many benefits from this process:

  • The right to proper medical history of both parents
  • The right to social security and veteran benefits if available
  • Health care benefits from both parents
  • Child support
  • A claim to inheritance for both parents
  • A claim to pension benefits for both parents
  • A child's self-esteem will be raised by knowing who both of their parents are

Show All Answers

1. Who can establish paternity for a child born outside of a marriage?
2. Do I need an attorney to establish paternity?
3. What do I have to sign if I know I am the biological father of my child?
4. What should I do if paternity is questioned?
5. What is genetic testing all about?
6. Who does the genetic tests?
7. How can the testing be completed if the mother and alleged father do not live in the same locality?
8. What happens if the alleged father is in prison?
9. How old must the child be to have genetic testing done?
10. How long does it take for the results to be returned?
11. When will I know the results of the paternity test?
12. What is the cost of genetic testing? Who pays for genetic tests?
13. What should I do if the Defendant is excluded as the father of my child?
14. Why does the mother have to be tested?
15. Why should paternity be established through the Courts?
16. If I signed a birth certificate, why do I have to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity?
17. What would happen if I refused to submit to genetic testing?