How is paternity established?
Every family is unique and sometimes they don't always form in a traditional way.
For example, when a married couple has a baby, the newborn is legally presumed to be the child of both the mother and the father. But if the parents are unmarried when they have a child, that child does not automatically have a formal relationship with the father.
By establishing paternity, a mother can enforce child support, and sometimes, even reunite estranged fathers with their children.
First of all, what is paternity?
Illinois Paternity Law
Paternity cases in Illinois are subject to and follow the same guidelines as the majority of the laws that govern family law/divorce matters such as child support and custody or allocation of parental responsibilities.
Proving Paternity in Illinois
Presumed Father Requirements
The simplest way for a father to establish legal paternity, if not presumed, is by a birth certificate or registering on the State of Illinois Putative Father Registry or signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity at Court.
The Illinois Parentage Act provides that a man is the "presumed" father of the child if any of the following facts are true:
Cases where the Petitioner in a paternity action has to bear the burden of proving paternity or absence of paternity by having to provide evidence in greater quantities, having the comfort and guidance of an experienced paternity attorney, such as Attorney Faye M. Lyon, will be your greatest ally.
Need help with a paternity case?
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