With Father's Day fast approaching, state child support experts want to reinforce the benefits to establishing paternity for children born outside marriage.

"Paternity means fatherhood," said Family Independence Agency director Marianne Udow, whose agency houses the Office of Child Support. "Establishing paternity provides the child with a legal father."

"Every child has the right to the love and support of both parents, whether or not the parents are married, divorced or single. Physical, emotional and financial support from the mother and father give a child the foundation for a happy and healthy life."

Udow said every child has an inherent right to a parent-child relationship with both parents, that ultimately leads to lifelong support by an extended family.

"Love and support are the most notable benefits of paternity, but there are others," she said. Some of the benefits of establishing paternity include:

• Identity. It is important to know who we are. A child has the right to the sense of belonging that comes from knowing both parents. Also, the father’s name can appear on the birth certificate.
• Financial support. The law requires both parents to support their children. This is true even with an unplanned pregnancy. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs. In addition, it may be possible to obtain medical insurance through a father's employer, union, or military service.
• Medical knowledge. A child may need a complete medical history from the families of both parents. This could include inherited health problems. Having the medical histories of both parents will help the child have a better chance at a healthy life.

Paternity can be established by a father at childbirth or later. The Family Independence Agency works with more than 100 birthing hospitals in Michigan to help establish paternity.