Recognition of paternity

In Swiss law, recognition of paternity creates a legal parent-child relationship between the father and the child where no paternal filiation already exists, commonly for a child of unmarried parents. The declaration is made before the competent civil status authority and has effects on name issues, nationality in some cases, inheritance and maintenance. It does not automatically settle parental authority or care arrangements in every situation. If paternity is disputed or uncertain, court proceedings and genetic evidence may become relevant.