If the parents of a child are not married, then a paternity suit may be necessary before child custody, support, and visitation can be established.
A paternity suit is especially necessary in two situations:
(1) fathers who are being denied visitation with their child by the mother; and,
(2) mothers who are not being supported by the fathers of their children.
In both cases the issue cannot be resolved without a determination of paternity. Note that a paternity suit may not be necessary if the parents went through the procedure for establishing paternity without a suit.
