Paternity

Paternity is the establishment of the identity of a child’s father through the use of DNA testing or the acknowledgment of paternity by the parties. The determination of paternity is a major factor in cases involving child support and custody, especially in cases where parties are not married. Paternity proceedings are generally initiated at the time of the filing of a custody action so that the Court can establish paternity and then proceed to hear issues regarding custody, visitation, child support, health insurance, and all other issues regarding the minor child.