Child custody cases involving unmarried parents can be more complicated when compared to married couples that decide to divorce. It is important to work with an experienced child custody attorney to understand your rights and obligations to a child under Illinois law.
At a glance, a parent wishing to establish parenting rights can do so:
- By an order of paternity issued by a court or entered judicially
- Through a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity entered into by both parents
- Or entry of an Administrative Paternity Order via the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services
After parentage is established, financial support for a child will be ordered and parenting time and parenting responsibility – aka child custody – will be determined with the child’s best interests in mind.
Reasons for Paternity Actions
The reason a party might bring a paternity action varies. It may be that a parent is seeking financial support for their child or they may wish to establish a right to inheritance. Other times, it is a father wishes to establish paternity in hopes of gaining custody rights so that they can continue a relationship with their child.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Family Law Attorney for Help
When you have questions regarding child custody involving unmarried parents, paternity, parenting time and responsibility, or Illinois child support, contact the Libertyville family law offices of Ronald L Bell & Associates PC for immediate assistance at 847-495-6000.