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Parentage / Paternity
What Is a Parentage Case?
A parentage case is a legal proceeding used to determine the identity of a child’s legal parents. These cases are governed by the Illinois Parentage Act.
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Once parentage is established, the court may enter orders regarding:
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allocation of parental responsibilities
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parenting time schedules
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child support obligations
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medical insurance for the child
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college expense contributions
Establishing legal parentage allows both parents to pursue rights and responsibilities relating to the child.
Establishing Paternity in Illinois
Parentage may be established in several ways under Illinois law.
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Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
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Parents may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) at the hospital when the child is born or later through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
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When properly executed, the acknowledgment has the same legal effect as a court determination of paternity.
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Genetic Testing
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If parentage is disputed, the court may order genetic testing to determine whether a person is the biological parent of the child.
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The results of genetic testing may be used by the court when determining legal parentage.
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Court Determination of Parentage
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In some cases, a parentage action must be filed with the court to determine legal parentage. Once the court determines parentage, it may address issues relating to parenting responsibilities and financial support.
Parenting Issues in Parentage Cases
After parentage is established, the court may address parenting issues in the same manner as in divorce cases involving children.
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These issues may include:
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allocation of decision-making responsibilities
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parenting time schedules
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holiday and vacation parenting time
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communication between parents and the child
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relocation considerations
All parenting decisions are made based on the best interests of the child.
Child Support in Parentage Cases
Establishing parentage also allows the court to determine financial support obligations.
Child support orders may address:
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basic child support
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health insurance coverage
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childcare expenses
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extracurricular activity costs
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contribution toward college expenses
Illinois courts calculate child support using statutory guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs.
Why Establishing Parentage Matters
Legal parentage provides important protections for both the child and the parents.
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Establishing parentage may:
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secure a child’s right to financial support
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allow a parent to pursue parenting time with the child
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ensure the child has access to medical history and benefits
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provide legal recognition of the parent-child relationship
Because these cases can affect both parenting rights and financial obligations, they often require careful legal guidance.
Why Choose Ciesla Beeler?
Parentage cases often involve sensitive family issues and long-term decisions affecting children.
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Ciesla Beeler represents parents in parentage matters involving the establishment of paternity, parenting arrangements, and financial support issues. The firm assists clients in resolving these matters through negotiation when possible and through court proceedings when necessary.
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Our attorneys represent clients throughout Lake County and the greater Chicago area in family law matters involving children and parental rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about parentage proceedings, parental rights, and child support in Illinois.
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