{"id":1013,"date":"2016-10-27T16:30:37","date_gmt":"2016-10-27T16:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.womensfamilylawyers.com\/?page_id=1013"},"modified":"2025-03-26T08:57:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T13:57:46","slug":"paternity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.womensfamilylawyers.com\/family-law\/paternity\/","title":{"rendered":"Paternity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chicago Paternity Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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While the birth of a baby is always a joyous occasion, problems between the mother and father can have long-lasting ramifications. For unmarried mothers, establishing paternity is often the first step to getting the help and support they need to provide for their children.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the Women\u2019s Divorce & Family Law Group, our<\/span> Chicago family law attorneys<\/span><\/a> understand how emotionally draining these situations can be for the mother, particularly if the child\u2019s father refuses to accept legal responsibility. We provide the caring, experienced legal representation you need during this time, to ensure both the rights and interests of you and your child are protected.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Paternity Laws In Illinois<\/h2>\n

In the state of Illinois, if parents are unmarried, the child\u2019s father is considered the \u2018alleged father\u2019 until proven otherwise. Paternity must be established for the father to have any legal rights or to have his name listed on the birth certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even in cases in which the mother desires no further contact, the<\/span> Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)<\/span><\/a> advises that establishing paternity is important in terms of family health history and medical information, as well as gaining access to financial and medical benefits, including child support, veterans benefits, and social security. In Illinois, there are three ways to establish paternity:<\/span><\/p>\n