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What Are the Benefits of Establishing Paternity for a Child?
Establishing paternity is the legal process of determining and confirming the identity of the biological father of a child. This may be necessary in situations where parents are not married at the time that their child is born or when there is doubt about the identity of the child’s father. Paternity can be established in several different ways, including through an agreement between the parents or through a court order following genetic testing.
Establishing paternity can provide a number of benefits for fathers, mothers, and children. An attorney with experience in family law can provide guidance on the best steps to take to establish paternity while also addressing other legal concerns that may affect the parents and the child.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
One significant benefit of establishing paternity is that it ensures that both parents will be able to maintain parental rights and share in the responsibilities of raising their child. Once paternity is established, a father will have the right to seek a child custody agreement that will allow him to have regular physical placement (visitation) with the child while also participating in important decisions about how the child will be raised. Paternity also ensures that both parents will be required to financially support their child, and it will allow child support orders to be put in place.
Benefits Available to the Child
Children gain access to various legal benefits when paternity is established. These benefits can include health insurance coverage through either parent, ensuring that the child will be able to receive the proper medical care when needed. A child will be able to receive Social Security benefits if either parent dies or becomes disabled. Paternity also grants inheritance rights to a child, and it may also allow a child to become eligible for government programs such as veteran’s benefits or tribal affiliation.
Emotional Bonding
The emotional bond between a father and his child can be an essential aspect of healthy development. By establishing paternity, a father will have the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with his child based on trust, love, and care. This sense of connection provides emotional stability for family members, and it can contribute positively to a child's overall well-being.
When a child knows their biological father, they can better understand who they are biologically connected to, and this can foster a sense of identity as they grow up. It can also provide answers to questions about family history or medical background which may become relevant later in life.
Healthcare and Medical History
A legal relationship between a child and their biological father can be crucial when it comes to accessing vital health information. A complete medical history can provide useful insights into potential genetic conditions or hereditary diseases that could impact a child's health later on.
In addition, establishing paternity may allow a child to be covered under their father's health insurance plan, ensuring that they will receive adequate medical care without placing undue financial strain on the mother or other family members.
Contact a Milwaukee Paternity Attorney
If you need assistance establishing paternity, or if you have questions about your legal rights and obligations as a parent, you can consult with an experienced family law attorney and get legal representation to ensure that these issues will be handled properly. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our Milwaukee, WI paternity lawyers are well-versed in family law issues, and we can guide you through the process of establishing paternity. We will work to protect your parental rights while making sure you and the other parent are focused on your child’s best interests. Contact us at 414-271-1440 today to schedule a free consultation.
