Understanding the Paternity Definition

The definition of paternity is the state of being the legal father of a child. If child paternity is not known from the moment that a child takes his or her first breath, determining the paternity of a child can later be a struggle. Until child paternity is established, there is often a huge effort to do whatever it is that is necessary, until the question of paternity if answered.

It is important that the paternity of a child is established so that a child may gain access to the support that they need from their fathers, whether financially or emotionally. A mother's role in a child's life is extremely important, but the role that a father plays in a child's life is of equal importance.

Once child paternity is established, there is usually further action that is taken to make sure that both parents play an active role in a child's life. The paternity of a child decides the amount of financial support that a parent will receive in order to have financial security for that child's care. After child paternity has been established, a paternity court may be called upon to decipher the financial support that a child will receive from his or her father. Once child paternity has been legally determined, a family court may be called upon to decide who is going to be physically responsible for the care of the child, and when.

Many men and women alike will turn to the courts immediately when they want to have the court decide issues of child custody. Whether sole custody or joint custody is granted in a child paternity case, the ultimate goal of any paternity proceeding is going to be doing what is in the best interest of the child.

Besides the paternity of a child being important in establishing financial support, custody, and visitation, there is another area in which child paternity plays a major role that greatly influences the life of a child. Many are not mindful of the fact that child paternity is pertinent when it comes to the medical needs of that child. A father's medical history greatly influences the life of a child.

There is an effect on a child's life in terms of heredity, as well as future medical problems that could potentially call for a parental donor. The paternity of a child should always be established so that if there is ever a medical need that requires the attention of a child's father, he will be made aware of this. He will then have the capacity to step in and assist in the medical matter if need be.