WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY?

If the mother and father were not married at the time of the child's birth and did not sign a paternity affidavit, the case will be more complicated and will probably take longer to conclude. Genetic testing may be be needed in order to establish legal fatherhood, or paternity. If the father is in another state, it may take longer to obtain an order.

Once paternity is established, the child has the legal rights and privileges which are those of a child born within a marriage i.e. right to inheritance, father's medical and life insurance benefits, social security, and possibly veterans benefits.