Paternity Suit Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Paternity Suit.

Paternity Suit (noun):

A legal action typically initiated by an unwed mother aiming to establish a biological link between an unmarried man and her child. This lawsuit entails the use of DNA tests, blood tests, or other means of proof. If successful, the deemed father may be legally obligated to provide financial support for the child from birth onwards. Note that in certain U.S. states, these procedures may have criminal implications.