Paternity Testing in Chicago Illinois
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) wants you to know that Paternity testing is a legal relationship between a father and his child. In Illinois, a child conceived or born prior to the parents married does not have a confirmed father. In Chicago, we refer to him as the alleged father until his identity is confirmed. The alleged father is not the legal father. Until paternity is legally established, his name CANNOT be added to the child's birth certificate.
Technically, the father is unconfirmed unless the mother is married prior to birth. Whomever the mother is married to at the time the child was conceived/born is the legal father of the baby. So if the father of the baby is not the husband of the mother, the mother needs to complete a paternity test to prove the rightful father of the baby.
My DNA Paternity Testing labs provides a prenatal test or a mobile collection option that can have the results ready for you prior to naming the child and completing the birth certificate. Additionally, the prenatal test is able to confirm the father's identity prior to birth which helps in cases when the mother needs insurance from the father for her pregnancy and birthing needs.
What does this mean as the mother?
Paternity Testing in Chicago IL
Well you have a few options:
- If you're married or plan to marry the man who is the father of the child... Marry each other before the baby gets here!
- If you're not married to the father and you don't plan on getting married before the child arrives, you can fill out a Paternity Affidavit with your local circuit clerk. BUT, if you are unsure of who the father is... Do not take this way out. The cost of the test is greater than the filing fee. However, signing the papers in lieu of a test gives rights to someone without knowing the child's biological father. Meaning, the child deserves to know the scientific truth not just who filled out the paper.
- If you are married and you are pregnant by another man, you must participate in a legal DNA test. The state assumes the husband is the father.
- If you are unmarried and not sure who the father is, please get a Paternity Test. After the father is determined, the child will then have all of the same benefits as one who is a child of divorce.
You can call one of our counselors to find out which option we would advise you of in your situation.
Three ways to establish Paternity in Chicago IL:
- Both parents completed, sign and have witnessed/dated a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity as discussed above. Only an option if the identity of the father is 100% known.
- An Administrative Paternity Order is entered by the HFS Child Support Services. Requires a Paternity Test and willingness of the father.
- An Order of Paternity is entered in court by a judge. Most accurate and efficient way of establishing.
You can find your Regional Child Support office and determine which is best for your goals or call us at 866-GET-DNA9 for more information!
Read more about our testing facilities and the mobile collector options in Chicago, Illinois!
