All children have the right to know who both of their parents are. If a child is born to parents who aren't married or who are no longer involved with one another by the time the child is born, the child may not know who his or her father is. By establishing paternity, the biological father of a child is legally identified and he takes on financial responsibilities regarding the child. All children have the right to be supported by both of their parents, even when the parents aren't married to each other. A man proven to be a child's biological father will most likely be ordered to pay child support. If no paternity is established between the alleged father and child, he is not required by law to pay child support. Establishing paternity may make the child eligible for social security and veteran's benefits if the father dies or becomes disabled. Establishing paternity also ensures that the child will inherit his or her share of the father's estate. All children also have the right to know about their family's medical history, including their mother's and father's medical histories. This is very important because some illnesses, such as diabetes and sickle cell anemia, are passed on through one's parents.
