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Paternity Testing

Paternity testing is used to identify the legal father of a child. Oftentimes, paternity testing is necessary to determine who will be held legally responsible for a child, especially with regard to matters including (but not limited to) custody, child support, and visitation. If paternity is in question during a divorce, the court will often require the husband or the alleged father to undergo paternity testing. If you are involved in a divorce or family law case that requires paternity testing, you may wish to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.

Different Types of Paternity Testing

With recent medical and scientific developments, paternity testing is now more accurate than ever. Some paternity testing can determine the identity of the father with 90 percent accuracy or greater. Moreover, paternity can also be ruled out, usually with 100 percent accuracy, through paternity testing.

There are a couple of different types of paternity testing:

  • Blood tests – Paternity blood testing has been used for at least the past 50 years by comparing the blood types of the tested parties. The older method involves testing the blood for specific antigens. However, this test ultimately proved a weak indicator of paternity. A more reliable antigen test was developed in the 1970s that could rule out paternity with 95 percent accuracy.
    • DNA tests – DNA testing is the most conclusive type of paternity testing with an accuracy rate of 99.9 percent for establishing the identity of the father. This test involves the collection of DNA samples from each party and a subsequent comparison of genetic characteristics and similarities. If the DNA patterns between the alleged father and child do not match, paternity can be completely ruled out. Paternity testing can be performed by way of this method even before the child is born.

      Paternity testing is a relatively common procedure, which can be performed at a number of public and private medical facilities nationwide. Cost varies depending on the type of paternity testing (blood or DNA) and the location of the test (public or private facility). If paternity testing is court mandated, there may be specific requirements with regard to the type and location of the test.

      Paternity Testing and the Law

      Once paternity testing has positively established paternity, the father gains certain legal rights, including the right to seek custody or visitation. On the other hand, the father also has certain legal obligations, including the obligation to pay child support .

      The results of paternity testing can be life altering. If you have questions or concerns about the paternity of a child, it is important to understand the legal ramifications of paternity testing. A qualified divorce and family law attorney can help you understand the law and your legal rights.

      Contact us for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.

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