Reasons for Establishing Paternity

There are many reasons to establish paternity. It provides benefits to the father, mother and child. Legal paternity must be established to request a court order for custody, parenting time (visitation), and child support.

Identity

When children know they are part of a family, they are likely to be more secure about who they are and where they come from. Establishing paternity identifies the father's side of the family and may encourage contact with other family members, such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, or other relatives. It also may give children the opportunity to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage.

Self Esteem

Children respond to love and support from both parents. They need to know who their father is and that he cares about them.

Relationships

Both parents have a right to establish a healthy relationship with and responsibility to care for their child. Making the relationship legal provides a greater opportunity for this to take place. Establishing paternity is a necessary first step for the father to request a court order regarding custody and/or parenting time (visitation) or the legal right to have a say in certain decisions about the child.

Financial

Children deserve, and the law requires, that both parents support their children. Statistically, children who have only 1 legally responsible parent are more likely to be poor than are children born to married parents.

Access to Information

Legal fathers and mothers have the right to be notified of adoption proceedings, juvenile court hearings, and custody hearings involving the child. Legal fathers and mothers may have the right of access to and receive copies of school, medical, dental, religious training, and other important records and information about the minor child.

Health History

Children and their health care providers need to know the family's medical history such so they can be aware of whether they may have inherited any special health problems or genetic traits from either side of the family.

Other Benefits

Your child has the right to other possible benefits from both parents. Many of these benefits may be denied to your child if legal paternity is not established. Some of these benefits may include:

• Health insurance
• Inheritance rights
• Life insurance
• Military benefits
• Social Security from a deceased or disable parent
• Tribal registration
• Worker's compensation benefits

Legal Assistance, resources and information