Why is establishing Paternity important?
Most states have laws that require an unmarried couple to fill out an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form to legally establish who the father is. If the couple is unmarried and the mother has not been married in the last 300 days, then no father will be listed on the birth certificate until this legally binding form is filled out. The AOP is sent to the states Bureau of Vital statistics, is recorded, and the father listed becomes the legal father. If there is a question on who the father is, then paternity testing should be done as soon as possible. After the AOP is signed, couples have 60 days to request a DNA paternity test to be done and amend the AOP, or the father previously listed on the AOP could be held legally responsible for the child even if he is not the biological father. If the mother is married to someone other than the father of the baby or has not been divorced for over 300 days, her husband is presumed to be the father of the baby.
Both parents and the child have the right to a parent-child relationship. Both parents and the child deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in this relationship. Both parents have the right to know and the responsibility to support their own son or daughter. IDENTITY: It is important to know who we are. Your child has the right to the sense of belonging that comes from knowing both parents. MONEY: The law requires both parents to support their children. This is true even with an unplanned pregnancy. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs. BENEFITS: Your child has the right to other benefits from both parents.These benefits may include Social Security, insurance benefits, inheritance rights, veteran’s and other types of benefits. MEDICAID: Your child may need a complete Medicaid history from the families of both parents. This could include inherited health problems.
Establishing paternity is important to ensure a child’s wellbeing and to fully protect his or her rights. Definitively knowing one’s biological parentage is important for several reasons: • It allows access to legal and social benefits, including social security, veteran’s, and inheritance benefits. • It provides an accurate medical history for the child, giving the healthcare provider additional insight during diagnosis and in managing the child’s health. • It strengthens the bond between father and child. If there is a question on who the father is, paternity testing should be done as soon as possible. Most states have laws that require an unmarried couple to fill out an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital to legally establish who the father. If the couple is unmarried and the mother has not been married in the last 300 days, then no father will be listed on the birth certificate until this legally binding form is filled out. The AOP is sent to the states Bureau of
Most states have laws that require an unmarried couple to fill out an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form to legally establish who the father is. If the couple is unmarried and the mother has not been married in the last 300 days, then no father will be listed on the birth certificate until this legally binding form is filled out. The AOP is sent to the states Bureau of Vital statistics, is recorded, and the father listed becomes the legal father. If there is a question on who the father is, then paternity testing should be done as soon as possible. After the AOP is signed, couples have 60 days to request a DNA paternity test to be done and amend the AOP, or the father previously listed on the AOP could be held legally responsible for the child even if he is not the biological father. If the mother is married to someone other than the father of the baby or has not been divorced for over 300 days, her husband is presumed to be the father of the baby. The biological father can only b
