In Wisconsin, paternity is defined as legal fatherhood; therefore, paternity legally defines a child’s father. The process involved in determining this claim is known as paternity establishment. When paternity is established, the father is able to include his name on a child’s birth record.
The Child’s Rights in a Paternity Case
If you speak to a paternity lawyer in De Pere, WI, he or she can go over the reasons why establishing paternity is important. When a father’s name is included on the birth record of a child, the child automatically receives special rights, which may include the following:
- Access to the father’s health history – helpful if certain conditions, such as diabetes, run in a family.
- Inheritance rights
- Child support
- Health insurance
- Social security benefits, if the father becomes disabled or dies
Whether a child’s parents live together or plan to get married, establishing paternity guarantees the rights of a child. Not only does the child enjoy certain rights when legal fatherhood is established, but the father does, as well.
The Rights of the Father
When you discuss your case with a paternity lawyer, he or she can also define these rights, which include the following:
- The father’s rights are considered if a baby is placed for adoption.
- The father may ask the court for child custody or placement rights (overnight visits with the child).
- The father can provide a parenting plan for the court’s review.
Speak to a paternity lawyer further about establishing fatherhood if you wish to legitimize your child’s birth. If a man or mother of a child is not sure about the actual paternity, they should ask for genetic testing. They should not sign a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement form unless testing is performed. Otherwise, the man will be deemed as the legal father. In turn, a court can order that he pay child support.
Where to Learn More about Paternity Online
Learn more about establishing paternity when you visit us website. Find out more about your rights.
