Paternity affidavit – this legal phrase in terms of Family Law refers to official certificate which certifies the registration of person as father and legal parent of a concrete child, born outside marriage. This affidavit has the similar role like the birth certificate, which is issued if the child is born during the marriage – to give the rights of inheritance, etc. In cases where a paternity affidavit is not issued, then a paternity lawsuit should be started in order to determinate if a concrete person is the actual father.