Some parents in Illinois might benefit from learning more about how paternity is established in the state. Paternity may be described as the legal relationship between a child and the father. When a child is born out of wedlock, the father has limited legal rights until paternity has been established. If the mother was married when the child was conceived or born, her husband, or ex-husband, is recognized as the father.
There are three different ways of establishing paternity in the state of Illinois. A judge may issue an order of paternity, parents may submit a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity or the state’s child support services could issue an administrative paternity order. In order for a family judge to recognize a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity form as complete, both parents are required to sign, witness and date the document. Establishing paternity places the father’s name on the birth certificate and protect parental rights.
Establishing paternity may also provide children and their guardians with more access to medical information that could be vital. Once paternity has been established, the child may be able to secure other important benefits such as any inheritance, veteran’s benefits, Social Security, medical support and financial support. The state may conduct interview and perform genetic testing under an administrative paternity order. If there is a court order, both parties will be notified of the hearing date.
People who need more information about establishing paternity might benefit from contacting a family lawyer. Legal counsel may be equipped to help protect parental rights and obtain outcome that is in the best interests of the child. Lawyers might also be effective in assisting with negotiating different aspects of the parenting plan, such as child custody, child support or the visitation schedule
