Top Questions About Paternity from Illinois Parents

 Posted on November 09, 2021 in Divorce and Family Law

Parentage refers to the legal relationship between parents and their children. Paternity is used to describe the father-child relationship. Whether you are a father, mother, grandparent, or another family member, you may have questions and concerns about how paternity influences family law issues. Read on to learn answers to some of the most common questions about paternity in Illinois. For legal advice customized to your particular situation, reach out to an experienced family law attorney.

How Do You Establish Paternity?

When a married couple has a child, the law presumes that the mother’s husband is the father. However, if an unmarried couple has a baby together, they must take additional steps to establish paternity. You may be able to fill out a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) to establish paternity. However, if the other parent will not cooperate, you may need to take action through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the court to establish paternity.

How Does Paternity Impact Child Support?

For single parents, child support payments can make all the difference in the world. If you are a parent or guardian who wishes to pursue child support from a child’s father, you must first establish paternity. Once the legal relationship between the father and child has been established, you may petition the court for a child support order.

What If I Am Unsure of Who My Child’s Father Is?

Life can be complicated, and sometimes, a mother finds herself in a situation where she does not know who the father of her child is. If you are in this situation, DNA testing may be needed to confirm the child’s biological relationship with the presumed father(s).

How Does Establishing Paternity Benefit the Child?

Once paternity is established, the mother can seek child support from the father. Furthermore, the child can be covered through the father’s health insurance. Establishing paternity also entitles the child to inheritance rights and certain government benefits through the father.

How Does Establishing Paternity Benefit the Father?

Establishing paternity creates an opportunity for a father to have a greater role in his child’s life. Once you establish paternity, you can petition the court for parenting time or visitation. If you are a father and the other parent is not letting you see your child, establishing paternity is often the first step in asserting your rights.

Contact a DuPage County Paternity Lawyer

The knowledgeable Wheaton family law attorneys at Stock, Carlson & Duff, LLC understand that paternity matters can be complicated and emotionally charged. Whether you need to establish paternity, deny paternity, or have other paternity-related issues, we can help. Call us at 630-665-2500 today for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/FormsBrochures/Pages/hfs3282.aspx