“Parentage” refers to the legal relationship between a child and parent. All children have two biological parents. However, being a biological parent does not necessarily mean that a person is also recognized as the child’s legal parent. In the past, you might have heard the term “paternity” used to refer to establishing a legal relationship between a father and his child. However, Illinois now recognizes that this term is outdated and not nearly inclusive enough. Many children are born into same-sex unions, or parent-child relationships may be established through the use of a surrogate, sperm donor, or adoption. It is important to establish legal parentage so that it is clear who the child’s legal parents are, regardless of biology.