Establishing Paternity in Washington – Legal Process and Rights of Both Parents

Establishing paternity is the legal process of determining a child’s father under Washington law. This determination ensures that both parents’ rights and responsibilities are recognized, and that the child receives all legal, financial, and emotional benefits to which they are entitled. Once paternity is established, the father gains enforceable parental rights and obligations, the mother can secure child support and share decision-making, and the child benefits from the legal recognition of both parents.

How Paternity Is Established

Paternity in Washington can be established in several ways. The most straightforward method is through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage, a legal document signed by both parents and filed with the Washington State Department of Health, which has the same effect as a court order. When there is disagreement or uncertainty, either parent, the child, or the State through the Division of Child Support may petition the court to establish paternity. In contested cases, the court often orders genetic testing to confirm biological parentage. In certain situations, the law presumes a man to be the father, such as when the child is born during a marriage or within 300 days of its dissolution.

Establishing paternity carries significant legal consequences. For the father, it provides the right to seek custody or residential time, participate in major decisions about the child’s upbringing, and maintain a legally protected relationship with the child. For the mother, it secures the ability to pursue child support, obtain health insurance coverage for the child through the father, and enforce shared parental responsibilities. For the child, it ensures access to financial support, inheritance rights, eligibility for certain government benefits, and valuable medical and family history.

Disputing Paternity

When paternity is contested, Washington law allows for legal challenges, typically within a specific time frame after paternity has been established. Genetic testing is the primary method of resolving such disputes, and courts generally follow the results unless there is a compelling legal reason to deviate from them.

Paternity determinations can have a direct and lasting impact on custody arrangements, child support obligations, and the overall welfare of the child. Even cases that appear straightforward can have serious legal and financial repercussions if handled incorrectly. Working with an experienced family law attorney ensures compliance with Washington’s parentage laws, protects the rights of both parents, and promotes the best interests of the child.

Establishing paternity is more than a legal formality—it is the foundation for protecting parental rights and securing a child’s future. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer provides knowledgeable and strategic representation in all paternity matters, whether you seek to establish, confirm, or dispute parentage. Contact our office today to arrange a confidential consultation.