Robert Thomas • January 15, 2026

In Illinois, the difference between a parentage proceeding (paternity) and a divorce proceeding is a divorce is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/101 et seq., which addresses dissolution of marriage, including property division, spousal maintenance and the allocation of parental responsibilities. Whereas, a parentage proceeding is governed by the Illinois Parentage Act, 750 ILCS 56/101 et seq., and is concerned with establishing a parent-child relationship by addressing child support, custody, and parenting time/visitation. 

Parentage proceedings convert a parent's moral obligation to support their child(ren) into a moral obligation.