Paternity means fatherhood.
If a child's parent's aren't married, it's important to legally establish the identity of the child's father. Every child has the right to know this or her father and other blood relatives. A child benefits in many ways from a healthy relationship with both parents and other family members. Your name and the mother's name will appear on your child's birth certificate. Your child's life and health could depend on knowing your medical history and your family's medical history.