In this article we explain how to establish parentage (or paternity) in Illinois including: what is parentage?, why is establishing parentage important?, establishing parentage by completing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage in Illinois, establishing parentage by obtaining a judicial parentage order in Illinois, and establishing parentage through an administration determination of Paternity or Nonpaternity through the Illinois Department of health care and Family Services.

In order for a court to enter a binding order in a paternity case, it must have both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction. The case must also be filed in the proper venue, meaning the correct county court within the state. Subject matter jurisdiction, is the court’s ability to hear the particular type of case at hand. In Illinois the state circuit courts have subject matter jurisdiction over paternity cases. This means that paternity cases should be filed in state court rather than federal court.

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client.