Paternity or parentage is the state’s acknowledgment of a parent’s relationship with a child. Mothers generally benefit from automatic parentage because there is a clear connection between them and the children they birth. Fathers may have to take special steps to establish their parentage or paternity.
Washington state allows for multiple different methods of establishing parentage or paternity. Factors including the family’s status and the state of the relationship between the parents can impact which option makes the most sense for those navigating unique circumstances.
Through marriage
Washington state statutes enshrine a presumption of paternity that applies to married couples. The man married to a woman who has given birth is presumed to be the father of that child. Hospitals typically include a married man’s name on the birth certificate of any child born to his wife during the marriage. He usually does not need to take any special steps to have the state acknowledge him as the father.
Through a voluntary acknowledgment
Many unmarried couples have children together. They can very easily ensure that the state recognizes the father’s paternity. The parents can execute voluntary Acknowledged of Paternity paperwork together at the hospital after the birth of the child. They may also be able to fill out paperwork and submit it to the state to add the father’s name to the birth certificate later. So long as the father and mother both acknowledge the man’s paternity, they can add his name to the birth certificate through simple paperwork.
Through a court order
In cases where there are questions about paternity or conflict between the mother and father, it may be necessary to go to court. The courts can order genetic testing at the request of the mother or the presumptive father. The courts can then affirm paternity in scenarios where testing shows that the man is the biological father of the child. Establishing paternity is typically necessary for a man who hopes to obtain visitation access or shared custody. Mothers may need to establish paternity with the state if they hope to seek child support from the father of a child.
Learning about the process for establishing parentage or paternity can be beneficial for both parents. Children can also benefit in the long run from parents making the effort to officially establish parentage.