The Positive Impact of Determining Paternity

 Posted on August 15, 2017 in Family Law

Illinois family law attorneyThe dead beat dad has a negative connotation throughout society. The cliche mental picture of the full-grown man who, after a single night or even years of fun, impregnates a woman and walks away, out of both the lives of the mother and the future child. The legal system spends obscene amounts of money annually tracking these individuals, many times to no avail. While there are men out there hiding from their responsibilities, there are many others who do everything possible to become a part of their child's life. Sometimes, people jump through hoops to have a legal connection with their children while mothers intentionally thwart every effort. Establishing paternity has numerous legal and emotional benefits to consider.

Paternity Ensures the Child’s Rights to Benefits

Without having established paternity, a child will not necessarily be able to utilize significant benefits to which they would be entitled via the father. Benefits not only include the financial benefits but others as well, such as:

  • Social security,
  • Medical,
  • Veterans,
  • Inheritance, and
  • Life Insurance.

Paternity Establishes a Legal Parent-Child Relationship

Until parentage becomes established, an alleged father cannot put his name on the birth certificate of the child. This important step is necessary to set up necessities such as child support payments and visitation or custody rights. Additionally, establishing this connection legally aides the child in building a sense of self-identity. They know beyond a doubt that this man is their father which creates a state of emotional well-being. Unless the father is toxic or otherwise dangerous, children have a right and a profound biological need to know both of their biological parents.

Paternity Establishes a Right to Medical Information

Unless you are a legal parent or guardian of a child, you are unable to access classified and sensitive information. From medical records to school records, officials are legally obligated to withhold this information from those with no legal rights. An added benefit is the child also has access to previous medical history, as we know genetics plays a superior role in the determination of behaviors and illnesses.

Get Reliable Results

Paternity tests are accessible at any local drug store. However, although these tests are highly accurate, they are not admissible in a courtroom. Unfortunately, with mail-in testing, the validity of the result is too easily compromised with a simple switch of a sample. If you are interested in establishing legal paternity, it is imperative you follow legal procedures. Contact a DuPage County, IL paternity attorney today to discuss any questions or concerns. The Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio is available to assist you with your case. Call us today at 630-920-8855 so we can better help you.

Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com/us-child-support-statistics-2997994

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

https://dnatesting.com/3-critical-reasons-to-establish-paternity-now/

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