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Paternity
Paternity is the legal determination of who a child’s father is, which is separate from simply being a biological parent.
What it actually is
In a court case, paternity is the formal establishment of a father-child relationship, usually through an acknowledgment or court order. It appears in family-law proceedings involving custody, visitation, child support, and other parental rights. The court must first resolve paternity before addressing those related issues.
Why it matters in your case
Paternity matters because it creates enforceable legal duties and rights between a father and child, including support obligations and parenting time. Without a paternity ruling, a father may have no recognized legal status, even if he is biologically related.
The common misunderstanding
Many people assume biology automatically means legal fatherhood, but a court or signed legal document is what actually establishes paternity. Also, a married man may be presumed the father even if he is not the biological father.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.