What is a paternity suit designed to establish?

A paternity suit is specifically aimed at establishing the biological father of a child, particularly in contexts where the parents are not married. The primary objective of such a legal action is to confirm the paternity of the child, which can have significant implications for various legal matters, including inheritance rights, child support obligations, and custody arrangements.

When paternity is legally established, it provides the father with rights and responsibilities towards the child. In cases involving unmarried parents, where there may be uncertainty about the child's parentage, a paternity suit plays a crucial role in clarifying and formalizing this aspect of the parent-child relationship. Once paternity is determined, it opens the door for the father to seek or have rights regarding custody and visitation, and it also requires him to fulfill any financial support responsibilities he may have toward the child.