When a child is born to unmarried parents, establishing paternity is important, even if both parties acknowledge the father’s identity. Establishing paternity offers numerous benefits for the child, the father and the mother.
There are 3 reasons why establishing paternity is important no matter the situation.
1. Protecting the child’s rights
Establishing paternity ensures that the child has access to important rights and benefits. These may include health insurance coverage, Social Security benefits and inheritance rights.
2. Fostering a strong father-child relationship
When you determine paternity, it creates a foundation for a strong, lasting bond between the father and child. The father’s name appears on the child’s birth certificate, affirming his role and responsibilities. This legal recognition encourages the father to be actively involved in the child’s life, promoting emotional well-being and healthy development. Regular contact and a strong relationship with both parents greatly benefit children, regardless of the parents’ marital status.
3. Facilitating child support and custody arrangements
Establishing paternity simplifies the process of determining child support and custody arrangements. When paternity is not formally recognized, the mother may face challenges in receiving child support payments and the father may encounter difficulties in securing visitation or custody rights. By proving paternity, both parents have a clear legal framework to work within, ensuring that the child has what they need.
Establishing paternity is important for unmarried parents, even when the father’s identity is not in question. If you find yourself in this situation, taking action to document paternity is a responsible and proactive decision that will benefit all parties involved.