Benefits of Paternity Establishment

How the child benefits

• support from both parents
• legal documentation of who his or her parents are
• access to family medical records
• medical and life insurance coverage from either parent, if available
• inheritance protections
• social security and veteran's benefits, if available
• the emotional benefits of knowing who both parents are

How the father benefits

• legal establishment of parental rights and responsibilities
• having his name added to the child's birth certificate
• the ability to add the child to his health insurance plan
• The assurance that social security or veteran's benefits are paid to the child in the event of his death or disability, if eligible
• protecting his child's right to inherit from him
• securing the right to seek custody or visitation

How the mother benefits

• improving financial security for the family
• information about family medical history
• help in sharing parental responsibilities
• access to medical insurance coverage for the child, if available