What is paternity and does paternity need to be established?
Paternity means Fatherhood. Establishing paternity gives your child a legal father. If the parents are married when the child is born, paternity is established without having to take any action. If the mother is unmarried when the child is born, paternity has to be established.
Establishing paternity can make a difference for your child’s whole life. Paternity provides important rights to both a child and the parents of a child.
Rights and benefits for the child:
– A child will gain a sense of belonging.
– The child will know the identity of his/her father.
– Health Insurance or life insurance from either parent if reasonable in cost.
– Child Support from both parents, including medical support.
– Military allowances, inheritances, social security or veteran’s benefits.
Rights and benefits for the parents:
- Court Order for visitation with the child
- Decision making authority regarding the child’s health, education, and religious upbringing
- The right to receive child support from the other parent
If you are facing paternity questions, contact Jeannette Watkin, Esq., to represent you in your paternity proceedings. Call JWatkin Law. P.A., for a confidential consultation at (786) 272-6360, or contact us online.
