If you are a single mother or you think you might be the father of a child, there are a lot of reasons to establish paternity. In many cases, doing so can be beneficial for you, the other parent, and most importantly, the child. There are a few ways that you can go about legally determining who the father of your child is:
- For parents married at the time of birth, the husband is considered the legal father of the child if the father is listed on the birth certificate. Instances in which the husband is not listed on the birth certificate may require attention in court.
- Unmarried parents can establish paternity by filling out and signing an acknowledgment of paternity form.
- Parents can also establish paternity through a court order or an administrative order, both of which often require a DNA test.
If you a mother who is not sure whether you should determine who the legal father is or a man who thinks he may be the father of a child, here’s why you should establish paternity.
Reasons to Establish Paternity
Financial Support
The first thing that most people think of in paternity cases is the financial support that the law requires. While this reason is perhaps the most obvious, it is nevertheless important.
Before a court can order an alleged father to pay child support, paternity must be established. For mothers who want their child to get the financial support they need, legally establishing who the father is essential.
On the other hand, if you think you are the father of a child and want to make sure they get the benefits of your social security, retirement, life insurance, and any other assets you want them to inherit, establishing paternity can help you ensure they are taken care of if you pass away.
Medical Information
It’s also important to determine who the father of your child is for their health. Of all the reasons to establish paternity, this may be the most critical. Many diseases are genetic, and knowing the medical history on both sides of the family can help doctors prevent and manage illnesses before they become a big problem.
Father-Child Bond
Children who don’t know who their father is can develop social and emotional problems. Establishing who the father is is often the first step toward creating the father-child bond that is often very important to child development and mental health.
Custody
For fathers, one of the top reasons to establish the legal father is so they can gain custody rights. If you are the father of a child but you have not established paternity, the court cannot grant you these rights.
Convinced by these Reasons to Establish Paternity?
If you aren’t sure whether establishing paternity is in your or your child’s best interest, it’s critical that you speak to an attorney about the matter. Contact the Law Offices of Granda & Associates today. We’ll listen to your story and help you determine whether establishing paternity is your best course of action. Get in touch with us today.