What is the Importance of Paternity in Illinois?

 Posted on June 10, 2021 in Paternity

 Paternity is classified as the legal relationship between a father and his child. When a child is born to parents who are not married, steps can be taken to establish paternity. Depending on the unique circumstances of your situation, establishing paternity may present many unforeseen challenges. If you find yourself in a paternity-related dispute, it is important to discuss your case with a skilled family law attorney. How to Establish Paternity

One of the most common ways to establish paternity is to sign and complete a Voluntary Acknowledge of Paternity (VAP) at the hospital after the child is born. If the father of the child is not present or is undetermined at that time, there are three ways to establish paternity at a later date:

• Both parents may complete, sign, and submit a witnessed VAP with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services at any time

• An administrative Paternity Order may be established and entered by Healthcare and Family Services’ Child Support Services

• An Order of Paternity may be established by the court

Why is it Significant to Establish Paternity?

At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we recognize that it can be very difficult to raise a child as a single parent. In the state of Illinois, if paternity is not established, the father will not have any rights or responsibilities relating to the child. Subsequently, this means that the father will not be granted child custody, parenting time, and will not have any legal rights in regards to the decision-making process of the child. 

Paternity must also be established in order for child support payments to be possible. Furthermore, paternity would make a child eligible to benefit from his or her father’s finances, including health and life insurance, inheritance, social security benefits, and veterans benefits. In addition, establishing paternity would allow a child to obtain medical information about his or her father.

Contact an Experienced Cook County Parentage Attorney

At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we are dedicated to the practice of family law. Having more than 40 years of legal experience, Attorney Curtis Bennett Ross understands the importance of family and works diligently to help his clients achieve their legal goals.

Understanding that the importance of a child’s needs, we work with both mothers and fathers in regard to paternity-related matters. Located one block away from the Daley Center, our knowledgeable Chicago parentage attorney represents clients throughout Cook County. We offer free limited consultations. Call 312-984-1514 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/FormsBrochures/Pages/hfs3282.aspx