WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "PATERNITY ORDER" AND "PARENTING ORDER"
This is a simple explanation that will help you separate those two very similar but very different terms.
If you are confused as I was, you will find some difficulties distinguishing the meaning between the term Paternity Order and Parenting Order.
The word "Order" says that it is given by the Court, I got that clear at the very beginning, but finding the difference between Paternity and Parenting was challenging. ( I still find myself thinking twice before I use it )
Paternity Order in the legal world it is explained as:
Legal process of determining the biological father of a child.
When parents are married, in most cases, paternity is established without legal action. If parents are unmarried or the child was conceived prior their marriage, paternity establishment requires a Court Order.
Parenting Order is explained as:
An Order made by the Family Court that says who is responsible for day-to-day care of a child, and when and how someone else important in the child's life can have contact with them.
Parenting Orders can be enforced just like any other Order of the Court.
The easiest way for me to remember was a yellow sticker (that I still have on my screen) saying:
I hope you'll find this helpful.
You've got this!
