Often the first step in a family law matter is the establishment of paternity, or, as it is known in Illinois, “parentage”. Paternity is the legal acknowledgement of the parental relationship between a man and a child born to unmarried parents.

In Illinois, there are two ways to establish parentage. The first way is through a voluntary acknowledgement. If the mother and presumed father of the child both sign a “Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage” form, that is sufficient to establish paternity. The second way is through DNA testing. The potential father can either submit willingly to a DNA test or may be compelled to do so by a court order.

Both fathers and mothers have the right to establish the relationship between a child and his or her biological father. Frequently, parentage comes into play when a mother seeks child support from the potential father who is not her spouse. Once parentage is determined, a father’s legal rights and responsibilities are the same whether he is or was married to the mother or not. A confirmed father, even if he and the mother never married, may qualify for joint or full custody of a child, or for visitation rights. His child support responsibilities will continue until the child reaches the age of majority.

Whether you are an unmarried mother or father seeking assistance with child support, custody, or visitation issues, the attorneys at Vaclavek Stassen, P.C. are experienced in handling all of your paternity-related issues.