In Pennsylvania, paternity can be established by unwed parents who both agree as to who the father is by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. This gives both father and child the same rights and responsibilities as a married father would have with the child. A claim of paternity can be made by an unmarried father who wishes to establish his paternity, but who is perhaps estranged from the birth mother, at any time until the child turns 18. This can be done through a complaint for custody, or by filing the Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. If the mother agrees to the paternity, an order of paternity and an order of support will be entered. **Don’t wait too long to establish your paternal rights. If the birth mother and child live in a positive home with a third party, and/or the birth mother marries, you will need a fathers rights attorney, as it will become harder to gain legal and physical custody rights to your child.** In cases where the mother disputes the paternity, you will need to file a Complaint to Establish Paternity and For Genetic Testing. A certified lab will conduct the tests which normally result in 99% accuracy when positive, and you will then be considered to be the biological father by the Court. If the test indicates exclusion, then the case will be dismissed. When paternity is positive, the case will next be referred for a child support hearing. Tibbott & Richardson 1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 444-7171 https://www.tibbottrichardson.com/