What is the process for establishing paternity?

In the state of Washington, establishing paternity is usually the first step in a child support case. Paternity is the legal determination of the father of a child. Establishing paternity is important because it gives the father legal rights and responsibilities towards the child, such as financial support and being able to make decisions on the child’s behalf. In Washington, when a baby is born to unmarried parents, the mother must provide the father’s name and other aspects of the father’s identity as part of the birth registration process. If the father is not listed, then one or both of the parents can go to their local child support office and make a paternity establishment request. After making a paternity establishment request, a genetic test will be done to help determine the parentage of the child. Both the father and mother will have to provide a DNA sample so that the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services can compare the child’s DNA to the parents’ DNA. If the DNA test shows that the alleged father is the biological father, the father’s name is added to the child’s birth certificate, making him the legal father of the child. If the alleged father contests this, then a paternity lawsuit can be filed with the Washington Superior Court. Establishing paternity is an important step in a child support case and can help both parents legally and financially. It also helps the child by providing the benefits of knowing his or her parents, as well as access to medical, social and educational services.

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What is the process for establishing paternity?

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