Most of the clients we represent in paternity cases are fathers who want to establish a relationship with their child.

Illinois requires both parents to support a child and a non-custodial parent to pay child support, from birth, if you are aware that you are the father.  You also have a right to visitation. If there is a dispute about who is the father of a child, either side can initiate a paternity action. The court may then order a DNA test to establish who the father of the child is.

Despite the non-marital status of the parties to a paternity action, Illinois promotes involvement by both parents in the lives of their children. A child has two parents, even if those parents are not married. Through a parenting plan that provides regular visitation, unmarried fathers can establish the bonds of a father-child relationship.