There are many reasons that a parent might want to establish paternity. Maybe the child's natural father is not involved in his or her life, and the parent wants to ensure that he has a legal relationship with his child. Or, the child may be entitled to certain benefits, like insurance or inheritance, that can only be accessed if paternity is legally established. Establishing paternity is also a prerequisite to requesting child support.
Paternity Benefits in Illinois
Whatever the reason, there are a few things that happen when a parent establishes paternity. First, both the child and the father will have a legal relationship with each other. This means that the father will have all of the rights and responsibilities of a parent, including financial responsibility for the child. The father gains the right to petition the court for parental responsibilities and parenting time. Parental responsibilities include making important decisions about the child's welfare, like where they will live, what type of education they will receive, and what their medical care will be. Parenting time is the time that the father spends with the child. This was previously called "visitation" in Illinois.
The second thing that happens when paternity is established is that the child gains certain rights and benefits. As mentioned before, the child may be entitled to financial support from the father through child support. Establishing paternity does not automatically establish child support as these are two separate legal processes. However, it is the first step in securing support. The child may also be able to receive health insurance through the father's employer, as well as social security benefits and inheritance if the father passes away.
Establishing paternity may also give the child a sense of identity and belonging. Knowing who their father is can be important for a child's sense of self and their place in the world.
How to Get Started
If you are considering establishing paternity for your child, it is important to speak with an attorney who can help you understand the legal process and what to expect. If the child's biological father is unknown or paternity is uncertain, DNA paternity testing may be necessary. Problems can also arise when parents disagree about paternity. A paternity hearing may be needed for the court to hear both parties' sides and determine the correct course of action.
Contact a Kane County Paternity Lawyer from MKFM Law for Help
No matter what your paternity situation may be, it is important to have legal guidance from an experienced attorney. At MKFM Law, our knowledgeable St. Charles paternity lawyers have helped many parents establish paternity, and we can help you too. We understand the importance of this process for both parents and children, and we will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Call us today at 630-665-7300 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/
