All Parents
Why a dad really does make a difference…
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
What are the benefits of establishing paternity?
Identification: Father’s name will appear on the child’s birth certificate gaining legal rights to his child.
Medical: Children can benefit by knowing both parents’ medical history, especially if a child inherits a medical illness. When a doctor has both the mother’s and father’s medical history, the child’s unique needs can be addressed. The child will also have access to their father’s health insurance.
Support: Establishing paternity provides legal, emotional, social, and economic ties between a parent and child to share in the responsibilities and rewards of parenting. Children of unmarried parents without support from both parents are much more likely to live in poverty and face other challenges growing up.
Benefits: When paternity is established, his child may have access to benefits such as Social Security, life insurance, military benefits, and inheritances.
Legal: Paternity establishment creates a legal relationship between father and child. Legal parents have the rights to have a relationship with their child and get help through the courts for visitation and/or custody if needed.
Did you know that children of unmarried parents are 4 times more likely to be living in poverty?
But when fathers participate in their children’s lives, they can make a big difference. Studies show that children whose fathers play an active role in their lives are:
- 2 times less likely to drop out of high school
- 7 times less likely to become pregnant as a teen
- Less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol
- Less likely to have behavioral problems
- Less likely to face abuse and neglect
- Less likely to suffer obesity
- Less likely to end up in prison
Source: Fatherhood.org