Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity means determining the legal father of a child, which is crucial for matters like child support. When a paternity claim is established, it legally recognizes a man as the father, ensuring he has responsibilities and rights towards the child, including providing financial support. This can be done voluntarily through acknowledgment or legally via DNA testing. Establishing paternity is important for securing benefits for the child, such as inheritance and health insurance, as well as ensuring that both parents fulfill their obligations.