Establishing paternity is the legal process of determining the biological father of a child. This can be done voluntarily through a paternity acknowledgment form signed by both parents at the child’s birth or through genetic testing if paternity is disputed. If paternity is contested, either parent can petition the court to establish paternity, which may involve DNA testing. Once paternity is established, the father may be granted parental rights and responsibilities, including child support obligations and custody or visitation rights.