Paternity is the legal term for fatherhood. This lawfully designates a person as the child’s father, which can provide the mother, father, and child with many benefits. Not only does everyone involved get peace of mind and full knowledge on the matter, but the child and father each acquire their own set of legal advantages. The child can receive child support, inheritance, medical and life insurance benefits, social security benefits, and veterans’ benefits when applicable. Fathers receive legal rights to be involved in the child's life and the opportunity to build a relationship with them that they may not have had otherwise. Establishing paternity is crucial, and it is important to understand how to do so in your unique situation.

Presumed Paternity

This is the most common way to establish paternity. In some situations, the father of the child is presumed based on the parents’ circumstances. There are four situations that warrant this assumption: