If your son or daughter is going to make you a grandparent, and you have questions... call us.

You are not alone, and we can answer your questions.

First things first

Emotional and financial support from both parents give a child the foundation for a good life. Your grandchild is entitled to financial support from the father when legal paternity has been established. Illinois law now allows unmarried parents to establish legal paternity for their baby without having to go to court, and often before the mother and child even leave the hospital.

What's the best gift I can give my grandchild?

Every baby has a father, but not every father is a legal father. Many parents are not married, so the father has no legal tie to the child.

A father, who is not married to the mother, becomes a legal father by establishing paternity. Here are the reasons paternity should be established:

• Your grandchild has a right to know his or her father and mother, and to be loved by both, as well as by all of his or her extended family.
  
• Your grandchild may need medical information and medical history from the father's family to have a better chance at a healthy life.
  
• Your grandchild can receive child support money when legal paternity has been established.
  
• It is possible for your grandchild to claim Social Security benefits, pensions, veterans' benefits, life insurance or inheritance rights if paternity has been established.
  
• Even if your grandchild's father is now in school or unemployed, he may have a good job someday and be better able to provide for his child.

When a baby's parents are not married to each other they can establish legal paternity and, at the same time, put the father's name on the birth certificate. Only parents can establish paternity, but as a grandparent you can help by making sure your daughter or son understands the rights and responsiblities parents have, and the benefits they will give your grandchild by establishing paternity.

It's important for your grandchild to have paternity established. Someday you may be raising your grandchild. If your grandchild's paternity is already established, it will be easier for you to collect child support for your grandchild from either or both parents. If you are the paternal grandparent it may also be easier for you to access services such as financial and medical for your grandchild, if the parent gives you a copy of your grandchild's birth certificate.

Here's how it works:

H.O.P.E. (Hospital Opportunity for Paternity Establishment) begins in the hospital

The mother and biological father should sign, and have witnessed, a form that will be given to the mother in the hospital when she is asked for information for the baby's birth certificate. The form is called a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, and both unmarried parents must sign it to put the father's name on the birth certificate. That's all there is to it. It's easy, it's free and it takes very little time.

P.E.P. (Paternity Establishment Program) is after the hospital

Of course, paternity can still be established after your grandchild leaves the hospital. The parents can sign the form at home and mail it to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, to the address on the back of the form. Forms are also available from state and local registrars, county clerks, local Illinois Department of Human Services and Child Support Enforcement offices and some community sites.

Remember, If you have questions, call us... You're not alone, and we can help!

The law protects children

Under Illinois law, parents have rights and responsibilities for their children whether or not he's married, no matter how young they are. In fact, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Division of Child Support Enforcement will try to locate the non-custodial parent nationally, if necessary. Genetic testing is available for any parent who is unsure who the father is.

For more information

If you have questions about establishing paternity or collecting child support, call the Child Support Customer Service Call Center: 1-800-447-4278 or (TTY) 1-800-526-5812.

State of Illinois Child Support Offices

All grandparents want a good life for their children and grandchildren. You can help your children and grandchildren get a better start on that good life.

For information on support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren, call:

Illinois Department on Aging
Senior Helpline
1-800-252-8966 (voice & TTY)
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.