The birth of your child is an exciting time. You’ve done so much to prepare for your little one, and now the big day is finally here.
Your brain is likely going in multiple directions, but one thing you must remember to do is establish paternity.
Acknowledgment of paternity
You may be surprised to learn that the father isn’t always automatically named on the birth certificate. Parentage is both biological and legal. While a man may be the biological father, he may not necessarily be the legal one. If the mother is married at the time of the child’s birth, their spouse, male or female, may be acknowledged as the other legal parent.
If the mother isn’t married, legal paternity will need to be established before the father’s name is listed on the birth certificate. There are a couple of ways this is done:
- Both parents can voluntarily acknowledge paternity by signing the Recognition of Parentage form, which is then filed with the Minnesota Department of Health.
- If there is uncertainty or a dispute about paternity, either parent can get a court order. This may involve genetic testing to confirm the child’s biological father.
It may not seem like a big deal to have a legal acknowledgment of paternity, but there are several reasons why it’s essential for both the child and the father, such as:
- Giving the child the legal right to receive benefits, such as social security
- Ensuring that both parents contribute to the child’s financial support
- Allowing the child access to the father’s medical background, which may contain potential genetic conditions and is essential for preventative healthcare
- Fostering a sense of belonging for the child and strengthening the bond between the child and their father
- Providing the father with the right to seek joint custody and visitation
Establishing paternity provides parents with the legal right to be involved in their child’s life, providing financial and emotional support. This prioritizes the child’s best interests by ensuring their rights are fully protected.