A paternity action is a court proceeding to determine whether a person is the father of a child (esp. one born out of wedlock). Usually a paternity test is required involving DNA identification or tissue-typing, for determining whether a given man is the biological father of a particular child. Often times, the mother will initiate a paternity action to obtain child support from the biological father of the child. A judgment for paternity is obtained to finalize the terms of custody, visitation and support once paternity isdetermined.