What do you need to know about establishing paternity?

Establishing paternity means determining the legal father of a child. There are 2 ways to establish paternity. You can establish paternity by signing a paternity acknowledgement form or you can ask the court to establish paternity.

Where can I get a declaration of paternity?

If the mother wants to establish paternity for her child, she may fill out a Declaration in Support of Establishing Paternity (PDF) » | en Español (PDF) » with or without the father’s voluntary acknowledgment. Mothers applying for public assistance can complete this form at their local Department of Human Services (DHS) » or child support office.

Can a court order establish parentage or paternity?

A correctly completed and signed declaration of parentage or paternity filed with the Department of Child Support Services will have the same effect as a court order establishing parentage for the child. If your child does not live with you and a court action is filed, you may be ordered by the court to pay child support.

How is paternity established in an IV-D case?

The process for establishing paternity in IV-D cases includes: Meeting with the mother to discuss the process for establishing paternity. Having the mother sign an affidavit indicating the identity of the alleged father. Locating the alleged father.

Why establishing paternity is so important?

There are numerous reasons why establishing paternity is important. When a child’s paternity is established, the child will have a right to child support and possibly other benefits. If the father has a health insurance plan, the child may also be allowed to be covered under this plan. We understand that paternity is not just about the financial benefits. Establishing the paternity of a child will have emotional benefits for all sides.

Why is it necessary to establish paternity?

Here are 6 reasons why it is important to establish paternity: Identity. It is important for the child to know they are part of a family. Similarly, it is important for the father to know that they are “legally” the father of the child. Paternity can help create relationships between the father’s side of the family and the child.

Why should a parent establish paternity of a child?

Below are three important reasons why you should consider establishing your child’s paternity. Legal Benefits. Establishing your child’s paternity is important to ensure that he or she is eligible to receive benefits from both parents. If your child does not have the name of his or her father on his or her birth certificate, the following benefits would not be available: Child support; Inheritance rights; Life insurance; Veteran’s benefits; Social Security from a disabled or deceased

How can an adult establish paternity?

Establishing Paternity by Court Order Consider hiring an attorney. Draft a petition to adjudicate parentage. Draft a motion for genetic testing. File your paperwork. Have the appropriate parties served. Complete genetic testing. Submit testing results to the court. Receive the judge’s order.