Paternity issues can arise either in a pending divorce action, where the identity of the father is unclear, or in a suit for child support. 

The process for determining paternity typically uses blood or DNA testing to ascertain whether a particular individual is indeed the father of the child.  Findings of paternity are typically final, particularly in divorce proceedings.

You should never sign any documents given to you by the mother, state or other agency before consulting with an attorney.  By signing any such documents, you may also be giving up certain legal rights that you may have.

If you are a new mother or are pregnant, and you wish to seek child support, an attorney is a vital part of the process to establish paternity.  In some cases, you may be able to establish who the father is on a temporary basis, before the child is born, which could help in providing some financial support to defray the medical costs associated with having a baby.