If the baby's parents are not married, the child does not have a legal father.

Paternity means a man is the real father of the child. Paternity acknowledgement is a process that makes a man the legal father and establishes a parent/child relationship under the law.

The paternity acknowledgement process is easy. Paternity can be acknowledged in the hospital when the baby is born. Remember, the souvenir birth certificate from the hospital does not establish legal paternity. If the father wants to be listed on the legal birth certificate, he must sign a paternity affidavit.

Parents can also fill out a paternity form later at a local health department, local county attorney's office or local child support office. If the parents change their minds, they have 60 days to cancel the acknowledgement.

Legal parents have a right to have a relationship with their child and to visit their child. If the parents can't agree on visitation or custody, a court can help. Remember, if you do not sign the paternity affidavit, the child is not legally hours. That means that if something were to happen to the mother, you are not the legal father and would not automatically have the rights a father has to his children. If something happens to you, your child will not receive benefits such as inheritance rights, Social Security or disability.

Both parents are required to support their child from birth. This may include child support, health insurance or child care expenses. Signing a paternity affidavit does not automatically open a child support case. If the mom is collecting cash assistance, or seeks assistance in collecting support from the state, a child support case may be opened.

If the parents aren't sure who the father is, there are blood or genetic tests that can help determine whether the man is the father. A child support office or private attorney can give you more information.

Find out more from the Kentucky Paternity Acknowledgement Program, toll-free, 1-888-675-7425.