When children are born to parents that are married, parent-child relationships and the various legal rights that come with it are automatically established. However, if parents are not married when their child is born, parental rights must be established in a different way. Keep reading to learn more about parentage and how Kendall, Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP can help you establish it.
How is parentage typically established?
Parentage is typically established automatically if parents are married when their child is born. In this situation, parent-child relationships and the rights that go with them are automatically established. If parents are not married, parentage must be established differently.
How is parentage established if parents are not married?
If parents are not married when their child is born, there are different ways that parentage can be established. If parents are in agreement of their rights and responsibilities, both parties can sign a voluntary Declaration of Paternity. If parents are not in agreement, parentage may be established by a court order.
What are the benefits of establishing parentage?
There are benefits of establishing parentage to both the parent and the child. For the parent, parentage allows them to participate in legal decisions about the child, which is called legal child custody. Establishing parentage also allows them physical custody or visitation so long as it is in the best interest of the child.
There are also several benefits of establishing parentage for children. These benefits include:
- Access to family medical history and records
- Health and life insurance coverage
- Right to inherit and the tax incentives that come with that
- Right to receive social security benefits
- Right to financial support from both parents
Kendal Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP can help with your parentage case.
Now that you know about the benefits of establishing parentage for both you and your child, are you ready to move forward in doing so? If that is the case, you will need an experienced family law attorney like Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC on your side to ensure that everything is handled properly. Parentage is legally binding and can have many lasting impacts on your life, including child support and custody. If you are interested in moving ahead with a parentage claim, contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation. We have over 30 years of experience and will handle the nuances of establishing parentage.
To learn more about the reliable and quality family law services that we offer, visit us on the web at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLC.
