affiliation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The relationship resulting from affiliating one thing with another.
2. (countable, uncountable)The establishment of a child's paternity or maternity.

   “[…] he did not […] forget to write to Mark a stinging letter in which he stated that if he refused to accept his responsibilities he would see that an action for affiliation was brought against him.”

   “If the defendant is adjudged to be the father, an affiliation order can be made under which he will be obliged to pay any expenses incidental to the birth and to pay a weekly sum for the maintenance and education of the child.”

   “The complaint in Marckx related to the fact that according to Belgian law, birth did not create a legal bond between a child and its unmarried mother. Under the Civil Code the mother had to follow an affiliation procedure which would result in adoption of the child.”

3. (countable, uncountable)A club, society or umbrella organisation so formed, especially a trade union.