Legal Parentage
/ˈliːgəl ˈpɛrənɪdʒ/
Definitions
- (n.) The recognized legal status of a person as the parent of a child, establishing rights and obligations under family law.
Legal parentage determines who is responsible for the child's welfare and support.
- (n.) The formal attribution of parenthood to an individual, which may differ from biological parentage due to adoption, surrogacy, or assisted reproduction.
In cases of surrogacy, legal parentage may be assigned to the intended parents rather than the birth mother.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal parentage often involves statutory definitions and may require judicial determination, especially when biology and legal recognition diverge.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.