Medical History - Important medical and genetic information about the father can lead to a happier and healthier life for a child. Insurance - A child may gain the right to share in the father's life insurance benefits. When paternity is established legally, a child gains most of the legal rights and privileges that a child born within marriage has. It is important that paternity be established as soon as possible but must occur before the child's 18th birthday. The case will be decided by the court after an examination of the evidence, blood testing, etc.
Most fathers voluntarily admit paternity, so very few cases actually go to court.
Call or visit your county domestic relations section. They are usually located in or near the court house.