Automatic paternity is usually only available to married fathers. Unmarried fathers have to establish their relationship with their children. They do so by signing a document with the mother and submitting it to the state.
If they cannot work cooperatively with the mother, then they may have to ask the courts to order genetic testing. The process of establishing paternity can be somewhat lengthy, but it is a worthwhile undertaking. The three benefits below make formally establishing paternity a smart decision for many fathers.
1. Securing custody rights
Unmarried fathers generally do not have the right to request parenting time or influence decisions about their children until the state acknowledges their relationship with the child. A father’s decision to formally establish parentage is critical to the long-term stability of his relationship with his child.
2. Inheritance and insurance rights
If a father does not establish paternity, then his child may not have access to the benefits that children generally deserve. For example, the child may not be eligible for health insurance or other forms of protection provided through a father’s employment. Similarly, the child may not have the right to an inheritance, especially if the father dies without an estate plan, unless the father establishes paternity before his passing.
3. Providing a sense of belonging
Children generally need to understand their families to develop a strong sense of self. A father’s decision to pursue paternity helps connect a child to his paternal lineage. The child may then feel a connection to their father’s historical culture and may learn about the family medical history as well.
Taking the necessary steps to establish paternity can be beneficial for unmarried fathers and for their children. Men may require support as they attempt to legally establish themselves as the fathers of their children, as the process can sometimes be complicated, and that’s okay.
