Understanding Paternity Laws in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania law recognizes the importance of establishing paternity for both the child and parents. Legal paternity provides a father with parental rights and responsibilities while allowing a child access to benefits such as inheritance, medical coverage, and financial support. ⚖️ How Paternity is Established in Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, paternity can be established in several ways: ✅ Voluntary Acknowledgment – If both parents agree on paternity, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form at the hospital or later through the Department of Public Welfare. ✅ Court-Ordered DNA Testing – If paternity is disputed, the court can mandate genetic testing. A DNA test that indicates a 99% or higher probability of paternity is considered strong evidence. ✅ Presumption of Paternity – When a child is born to a married woman, her husband is legally presumed to be the father unless proven otherwise through legal action. ...