Establishing paternity helps both parents and children by clarifying their legal rights and responsibilities. Paternity ensures that a child’s emotional, financial, and medical needs are met and sets clear expectations for both parents.
Protecting a child’s rights
Paternity gives children essential rights, such as financial support, inheritance, and health insurance. It also allows children to connect with their biological father and learn about their family’s medical history, which can be important for their health.
Clarifying parental responsibilities
Establishing paternity legally identifies the father and ensures both parents share responsibilities like financial support and caregiving. In Pennsylvania, paternity affects decisions about child support, custody, and visitation, helping to create fair arrangements.
How to establish paternity in Pennsylvania
There are a few ways to establish paternity in Pennsylvania. If both parents agree, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital when the baby is born or later through the Department of Public Welfare. If the parents disagree, paternity can be established through a court order and DNA testing.
What happens if paternity isn’t established?
If paternity isn’t established, fathers may have a hard time getting rights like custody or visitation. Children might miss out on benefits like financial support or inheritance. Establishing paternity removes these uncertainties and helps everyone involved.
Helping a child’s future
Paternity isn’t just a legal step; it helps create stronger family relationships and gives children the protection they need. Taking the steps to establish paternity helps children and parents build stable and supportive lives together.
