Paternity Test Archives - Page 4 of 55

3 Critical Reasons to Establish Paternity NOW

by IDENTIGENE on 10/28/2019

Maybe you’re an adult who found out through ancestry testing that the man you thought was your biological father really isn’t. Maybe you were adopted and have just located your biological dad. Thanks to the absolute explosion in at-home DNA testing that has taken place over the last decade or so, paternity testing and the need to establish paternity is no longer just for newborn babies and toddlers. Establishing paternity has never been easier: at-home paternity tests you can pick up at your local drugstore are excellent if you just want to confirm a relationship for your information and peace of mind. Or you can order a legal test with court-admissible results directly through an accredited laboratory like our parent company DNA Diagnostics Center, if you want to confirm a biological relationship and then use that information for legal reasons. It really is so easy!

If it’s so easy and affordable, why doesn’t everyone who has a nagging doubt about paternity take advantage of this test? In our experience as a respected, seasoned DNA testing lab, many of our clients tell us they were initially held back by fear: fear of the long-term consequences of knowing the truth, of possible changes in their relationships the results could bring, and more. However, once they make the decision to face their doubts and go through with the test, they are inevitably glad they did—no matter the results.

There are three participants involved in any paternity test: mother, potential father, and child. If you’re struggling with whether or not to get answers, here are 3 critical ways paternity testing can benefit each and/or all of you.

Reason 1: Paternity testing strengthens a sense of self-identity

No one can argue that children who have supportive adults in their lives as they grow up have more opportunities for healthy development. Stepparents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and teachers can all be valuable role models and guides to children. But according to an ethics article on PsychologyToday.com, some experts insist that the need for children (and indeed, adults) to know their biological parents is deep and unrelenting.The argument goes like this:

‘Parents have an obligation to foster identity-formation in their children. Knowing one’s biological parents yields self-knowledge that has significant and irreplaceable value with respect to such identity formation. Therefore, it is immoral to intentionally [raise] children that do not know both of their biological parents. (Austin).’

Even if it’s not healthy (or possible) for a child to have a personal relationship with a biological father, knowing who that father is fosters their sense of self-identity and emotional well-being.

Reason 2: A paternity test establishes rights to benefits

A child or adult may be entitled to possible benefits from both parents. Unless legal paternity has been established, chances are good that those benefits would be denied in most states. Some of these benefits can be life-changing and may include:

Inheritance Rights
Life Insurance
Veteran’s Benefits
Social Security from a parent who is deceased or disabled

The DNA test sample collection process for a legal paternity test has different requirements than an at-home ‘peace of mind’ test. In order to be court-admissible, a third-party neutral individual (Collector) must be in charge of the collections process from start to finish. A Collector records participants’ IDs and takes their photos, swabs cheeks (or supervises swabbing), then mails the samples directly to the lab. This ensures an impartial ‘chain of custody’ process that prevents fraud. The court can be confident that all participants in the DNA test are who they say they are and results can be deemed legally sound.

Legal benefits for a mother: A legal test can support her claims for child support from the biological father.

Legal benefits for an alleged father: A legal test can protect a man from fraudulent child-support claims by the mother, thereby saving him from supporting a child who isn’t biologically his (unless he wants to).

Reason 3: A paternity test helps establish medical histories

The medical community recognizes that genetics can play an important role in a person’s health. Knowing both biological parents’ medical histories can be a critical factor in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions or diseases.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states, ‘Genetics . . . play a profound role in health and disease and impact every child and family in a pediatric practice. The primary care pediatrician’s role is integral to the evaluation and management of patients with genetic conditions, potentially genetic-related conditions, and common disorders with a genetic basis, through the effective use of family health history, expert referrals, and genetic testing.’

A child-and adults too-has a ‘healthy interest’ in knowing his or her biological father’s family medical history. To put it plainly, it could someday mean the difference between life and death.

The bottom line

These are just a few of the many reasons why establishing paternity is important. If you or someone close to you has a nagging paternity question, maybe the best reason of all for finally getting that paternity test is that it brings peace of mind.

<< WANT TO LEARN MORE? WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO FROM IDENTIGENE

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Bibliography & Resources

Austin, Michael. “Parents, Children, and Biological Ties.” Psychology Today. Psychology Today, 12 Feb. 2012. Web. 16 Sept. 2015. <http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ethics-everyone/201202/parents-children-and-biological-ties>.

“Indiana Department of Child Services.” DCS: Establishing Paternity for the Mother. Indiana Department of Child Services, n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2015. <http://www.in.gov/dcs/2486.htm>.

“Think Genetics! Daily Use in Pediatric Primary Care.” Genetics in Primary Care Institute. American Academy of Pediatrics, n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2015.

What Do You Mean by “Legal Paternity?”

by IDENTIGENE on 08/26/2019

“NOTE: This information-only article may help you better understand the terms, definitions, and language used in legal paternity situations and is not legal advice. For specific legal advice, please contact a lawyer in your state.

Studies show that one in ten people have a paternity-related question. Often the question of paternity is a simple one, and those involved just need the peace of mind that comes with knowing who is the father. But legal questions about paternity can get far more complicated. For example:

Who is allowed to go to court to determine the father of a child ?
When can a case be filed with the court and how much time do you have to establish paternity?
What is the court process in a paternity case?
What evidence is used in paternity cases to prove the existence of a parent-child relationship?
How does one go about getting a legal paternity test?

Having answers to questions like these can give you a better understanding of the legal paternity process, and may be important to protecting your right to be involved in the child’s life.

Using the State of Colorado as an example, we’ve researched a few answers to commonly-asked legal paternity questions. Of course, laws vary from state to state and you should contact a local lawyer where you live for answers to your specific questions.

Who is allowed to go to court to determine the father of a child ?

The child
The biological mother
The alleged father
A representative from the State of residence
A representative from the Department of Human Services
A county department representative of social services

When can a case be filed with the court and how much time do you have to establish paternity?

A paternity case can be filed anytime before the child’s 18^th birthday, if trying to prove a parent-child relationship.
To prove that a man is NOT the father of the child, parties must file within a reasonable time after the man finds out someone may claim he is the father, and definitely before the child’s fifth birthday.
Child support enforcement agencies can bring an action on behalf of the child at any time before his or her 21st birthday, if the amount of time allowed to bring the suit was less than 18 years when the child was born. A child can bring an action anytime before his or her 21st birthday.

What is the court process in a paternity case?

An informal hearing is scheduled first with the court. If it is determined by the court to be in the child’s best interests, a hearing is then ordered to have the case heard before a judge.
The court may determine that in the best interest of both parties, the hearing may not to be open to the public.
A record of what happens at this hearing will be kept if any party requests it.
If any witness refuses to testify, the court can order the witness to testify and produce evidence related to all relevant facts in the case.
Any party may seek a restraining order, injunction, temporary orders as to custody, parenting time, and support as soon as the court enters an order determining the existence of the parent-child relationship.

NOTE: Issues of temporary custody, parenting time, and support are decided under a different set of rules established by each State.

What evidence is used in paternity cases to prove the existence of a parent-child relationship?

Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and the alleged father at any time that would make it possible for the child to have been conceived during that encounter.
An expert’s opinion that based on the duration of the mother’s pregnancy, there is a chance that the man could be the father.
Medical or anthropological evidence
Legal DNA Paternity Test (through DNA Diagnostics Center, which is the parent company of IDENTIGENE ) with a witnessed 3^rd party collection

How do I get a legal paternity test?

It should be noted that there is a difference between a ‘personal’ IDENTIGENE DNA paternity test, and a ‘legal’ DNA paternity test. To be considered a ‘legal’ test, the swab collection needs to be performed with a witnessed third-party DNA collector. Typically, an additional fee per person is paid to the collection service for this process. This unbiased collection prevents sample tampering, and provides a chain-of-custody process for samples: from collection to results
An at-home kit cannot be used for legal purposes, but a legal paternity test can be ordered through our parent company DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) or by calling 800-681-7162. Already have a home kit? No problem: We’ll credit your account for the cost of the kit
We will set up an appointment with a collector near you
In order to maintain chain of custody, we must send the kit directly to the approved collector. You cannot take a kit with you to the appointment
Collectors will send documentation and collected samples back to the lab on your behalf
After samples arrive at the lab it will take two (2) business days to receive your results. The secure and private results will be available online (where you can also print them).

(Colorado Judicial Branch. For State-specific information, call the courthouse in your community.)

Read related stories with more information regarding Legal Paternity Testing:

Establishing Paternity and Legal Paternity Testing

Do I need court-admissible DNA results?

Privacy and Accuracy With Paternity Testing

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.

How to Ask a Partner for a Paternity Test

by IDENTIGENE on 08/12/2019

Asking for a paternity test can be uncomfortable, especially if you and your partner are in a committed relationship. Even when the conversation is handled delicately, there are bound to be hurt feelings and additional conversations that follow. While it may seem like a lose/lose situation, it’s far less painful to determine the father of a child sooner rather than later. To help prepare for this difficult discussion, consider the following.

If you are the potential father asking the mother for a paternity test

While it is possible to get a paternity test without the mother’s knowledge, it is highly recommended to include her in the process so as to get the most accurate results possible. Because you already know she is the mother, submitting her DNA with both the child’s and your samples provides genetic scientists two sets of DNA against which to compare, resulting in a more conclusive analysis.

If you wish to include her DNA in paternity testing for stronger results, it’s important to include a couple of things for clarification when having your discussion with her:

1. Explain your reasons for wanting to verify the child’s paternity

First, you should explain why you would like a paternity test, whether it is to ease your mind or eliminate even the smallest suspicions. However, remember that to avoid coming off as insulting or offensive, you shouldn’t be accusatory. Your respect for her will make the mother more likely to participate in the paternity testing process.

2. Have a rational discussion about your future involvement with the child and the mother

To make your desires clear, no matter what the paternity test results say, it’s necessary to discuss next steps. If results indicate that you are not the father, both you and your partner should have a clear idea of the child’s future. Do you want to stay in the relationship? Do you have any interest in being a part of the child’s life? If you are the father but do not wish to remain with your partner, are you ready to accept the legal responsibilities? A candid conversation about this will eliminate unnecessary stress and confusion as the paternity testing process moves forward.

If you are the mother asking the potential father for a paternity test

If you are unable or would prefer not to have this conversation, it is possible to get a paternity test without the father, but it will still require testing someone from his immediate family.

If you do choose to have this conversation and involve him in the process, there are several things you should mention:

1. Express interest in taking a paternity test for his own well-being

Explain that your interest in a paternity test stems from your concern for his own well-being. Informing him that you are not trying to deceive him and would like to give him the opportunity to know for certain if he is the father can reassure him and let him know your heart is in the right place.

2. Discuss the future of your relationship and the child in both possible outcomes.

The next important step in this conversation is to establish an understanding of what’s next, for both the child and your relationship. Discuss each of your wishes for both possible scenarios, whether he is or is not the father. Possible questions to consider are: Do you still love each other? Do you want to stay together, even if he is not the father? What would be best for the child? Expressing your opinions in all of these matters will give the conversation some closure with as few lingering concerns as possible. Painful as it can be, it’s best for all people involved (including your child) for the adults to have mature discussions and then make important decisions.

In the event that DNA test results prove a man is not the father, there are resources available to guide you through the next steps, whether he would still like to be involved in child’s life or take a legal paternity test to establish the child’s true parentage in court.

Asking a partner for a paternity test is hard, and the challenge does not end after your initial conversation. For information on organizations and services to get you through this difficult time, check out these other helpful resources.