Cincinnati Family Law & Divorce Blog: Is it Important to Establish Paternity in Ohio?

When a child is born to married parents or within 300 days of the termination of a marriage, there is a legal presumption that the husband is the father of the child. However, it is increasingly common that children are born to unmarried parents. In this case, there is no an automatic presumption, and fathers must take further steps to establish paternity. Establishing paternity is important because it is necessary for fathers to establish parenting rights, for the child to be able to inherit Social Security and Veteran’s benefits from the father, and it provides a sense of identity for the child.   There are a few different options on how an unmarried father may establish paternity. Both parents can sign a Paternity Affidavit, a document that acknowledges who the biological parents are without the need for genetic testing. This form is usually generated by the hospital but it can also be...