Having the state of Arizona recognize your paternity helps establish your rights as a parent. In addition, your child may reap the benefit of learning about the genetic history of your family. This is important because your genetics will likely have a strong impact on the health of your child.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains what your child could learn from the genetic history of your ancestors.
The existence of chronic diseases
Many families have some kind of chronic ailment that family members manifest at some point in their lives. It could be a form of cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Establishing paternity may help your child learn about your relatives and any common disease they had shared.
Taking preventive measures
If your child knows about the chronic diseases in your family, it is possible for your loved one to take early action to treat the condition or even prevent it from occurring. Your son or daughter may do some or all of the following:
- Exercise more regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Refrain from smoking and excessive drinking
- Screen for cancer or other ailments
While there is nothing that can change the genes of your child, your loved one may understand what diseases to look out for and what behaviors to avoid in order to live a longer and healthier life.
Establishing paternity to provide for your child
If you know your child will have health challenges because of your family’s genetic history, making sure Arizona recognizes your parental relationship is even more crucial. As a legal father, you may provide your child with financial support and other benefits to help your son or daughter have the best life possible.
