PATERNITY AGREEMENTS

A paternity agreement is usually required in situations where the biological parents of a child, who are not married, are ending their relationship with one another. If the parents cohabited and then separated, a separation agreement would be required instead.

The purpose of a paternity agreement is to set out the decision-making authority of each parent regarding the child’s needs. In making these decisions, the parents should consider the child’s best interests. Decisions include custody and access and child support. Child support issues will often address monthly child support, child-care costs, extra-curricular activities, and postsecondary education.