Matrimonial & Integrated Domestic Violence

Legitimacy & Paternity

Establishment of paternity is essential in order to protect a child’s right to obtain immigration benefits based on a father’s status in the future.

  • Legitimacy of a father, for immigration purposes, requires:
    • An action to legitimate child under the law of the child’s or father’s residence or domicile.
    • Child must be under 18 at the time of legitimation.
    • There must be legal custody with the father at the time of legitimation.
    • Natural child of the father.
  • A child can also benefit from the citizenship or other immigration status of a parent through adoption and/or natural birth.