In this video our Elmhurst paternity attorneys explain paternity law in Illinois. If there is a "presumed father," as defined by the Illinois Parentage Act, there is a higher standard of proof required to show that the "presumed father" is not actually the father of the child.  The "presumed father" is also entitled to certain notices, described below if the mother or a third party attempt to establish that someone other than the "presumed father" is the father of the child.

According to the Illinois Parentage Act, you are the "presumed father" of a child if any of the following is true:

• You were married to the child's mother, in a civil union, or in a substantially similar relationship at the time of birth; 
• You were in a marriage, civil union, or a substantially similar relationship that was terminated within 300 days prior to the child being born; 
• You were in an invalid marriage or civil union at the time of birth or within 300 days prior to the time of birth, which was entered into in apparent compliance with the law;
• You married the child's mother after the birth of the child and are listed as the child's father on the birth certificate.  

In this video our Elmhurst paternity attorneys explore questions involving paternity and whether it is required for child support payments. If, at the time of the child’s birth, the mother and father are unmarried, the paternity is not immediately assumed. This absolves the father of any immediate child support or other legal action until paternity has been established, either through the father’s voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or by testing.  Paternity can be established either voluntarily by consent of both parents or involuntarily through a petition to establish paternity

In this article, our Elmhurst paternity attorneys discuss court ordered parenting classes. Parenting classes serve many purposes including familiarizing both parents with the process working together for the best interests of the children. We explain when parenting classes are mandatory, and how to determine which parenting classes are approved by the court.

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