Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity Information
Published: October 11, 2017
Illinois Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Division of Child Support Services
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PATERNITY TESTING
If a parent is unsure who the biological father is, a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form should not be signed. You may call Illinois Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Division of Child Support Services at 1-800-447-4278 for information about scheduling a paternity test and other child support services. Persons using a teletypewriter (TTY) may call 1-800-526-5812.
All unmarried parents who apply at the Division of Child Support Services will receive free help to establish the paternity of their child and other child support services. You may call the Child Support Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-447-4278 or visit our website: http://www.childsupportillinois.com/ to receive a free application. If you live in; Cook County Illinois:
Sylvia Salas PEL
36 S Wabash 9th Floor
Chicago IL 60603
312-793-9289
IMPORTANT: Mother, father and child must all attend the appointment for the paternity test.
What is paternity testing?
A paternity test compares the DNA of a child, mother and father to determine whether the man is or is not the biological father of a child. It is a simple swabbing inside the cheek, no blood draw is necessary.
Why establish paternity?
- Ensure a child’s right to a legal father-child relationship.
- Add the father’s name to the birth certificate.
- Protect the parent’s rights.
- Enable access to family medical information.
- Secure the child’s benefits such as financial and medical support, Social Security, Veteran’s benefits and inheritance.
What should I expect when I arrive for testing?
- Your visit will take about 30 minutes.
- You will have to present a picture ID.
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