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A Paternity Test Says You’re Not the Father. Now What?

Mar 6, 2019 | Paternity

A paternity test says you're not the father. Now what?

It’s an all-too-common scenario: You start raising a child and get emotionally attached, as any good father would. Then you discover text messages or other red flags that seem to indicate your partner cheated on you during the time your child was conceived. You do a DNA paternity test and the results come back with the news you were hoping you wouldn’t see. A paternity test says you’re not the father. So now what?


NOTE: This article is not intended to be legal advice—it is for general informational purposes only. For guidance regarding your particular situation, please contact a social worker or family-law attorney in your area.


If You Never Married your Partner

When you never claimed the child legally

If you and your partner were never married and if you didn’t sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity document or birth certificate but want to maintain your relationship with the child, there are options.

This applies to most U.S. states: The best option is to claim legal guardianship, which you do by first filing a petition with the court in your state. The court decides whether or not you have a case, and will conduct extensive interviews with you, the mother, and the biological father as well (if he’s been identified through legal DNA testing).

There are some basic qualifications for legal guardianship that you should be aware of before going to all the trouble of starting the process:

  • You must be a legal adult
  • You must have time to care for the child
  • You must be able to afford to raise the child
  • You must be physically able to fulfill the responsibilities of a legal guardian
  • You must prove that you would be a positive influence on the child as well as a role model

The court always makes decisions based on what they deem to be in the best interest of the child, and once the process is complete and if they believe you have satisfied all their requirements, may determine you are qualified to be a legal guardian and continue your relationship with the child, providing the child’s biological parent gives their consent. If the parent(s) does (do) not give consent, you may still have a case for becoming a legal guardian if the parents are deemed unfit to raise the child.

When you claimed the child legally

If you never married the mother but did sign the Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity or birth certificate, it is unlikely that the court would “let you off the hook” for support of that child or agree you should be reimbursed for any child support paid, even if your paternity test proved you are not the biological father.

Some states allow fathers to disestablish paternity so that they are no longer financially obligated for support, but the specific criteria are very narrow and this step rarely includes reimbursement for child support. You should consult a family-law attorney to see what your state law allows.

If You Are/Were Married to Your Partner

If the child was born during your marriage to the mother, you are by default considered the biological father and legal guardian of the child, in nearly all cases.
If you discover the child you thought was biologically yours really isn’t, the emotional pain can be excruciating and you may feel confused about your relationship with them. When a father named Chris discovered his 15-year-old daughter was the result of his wife’s affair, he struggled with knowing what to do. Ultimately, he divorced his wife but maintains his relationship with and support of his daughter—after all, he’s the only dad she’s ever known and he loves her dearly. Sometimes, DNA just doesn’t matter.

Wrapping It Up

The best way to prevent this trauma—especially if you and the mother of the child are not married—is to be proactive about determining paternity before agreeing to sign any acknowledgement of paternity or the birth certificate.

In most states, a man may only have two (2) years after the birth of a child to contest paternity.

After those two years, the process is much more difficult. Insisting on a legal paternity test after the baby’s born or a non-invasive prenatal paternity test before the baby’s born protects men against being trapped in legally-binding agreements and heart-wrenching relationships without full knowledge of your true relationship to the child.


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Call us at 800-929-0847: We’re here to help.

Do you have questions or comments about a legal paternity test? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.
96 Comments
  1. Christi

    We have had 2 different DNA tests done, so why do they have different percentages on the side? Both had the same conclusion but the percentages were drastically different. Please explain.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Christi.
      Before I can answer, I need some clarification, please.
      (1) Were the tests for the same people?
      (2) Were the two tests performed at the same lab?
      (3) What do you mean by “percentages?” Do you mean the paternity-index values (PI) for each marker tested, or do you mean the overall percentage for probability of paterity?

      Reply
      • Ivan

        Married in california 10 years 3 kids mom tells me 2 years later I’m not the father of the 3child my name on birth certificate and taxes what can I do to get those rights for 3rd child mother does not let me see him for 8 months until we go to court

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Ivan. That is a question best answered by a family-law lawyer in California.

          Reply
    • Glenn

      Ive raised my 4yr old son 3 years after his mom left without saying anything. I’m not on BC and paternity hasn’t been established. I’m all he knows. If he isn’t biologically mine is there anyway I can lose him? She hasn’t spoke to him this whole time. I’m scared if hes biologically not mine I’ll lose him. Ty

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Glenn. First of all, kudos to you for stepping up and caring for your son. To protect your rights and safeguard your little one’s relationship with you, I suggest you contact a family-law attorney to see what you can do to make it “official.” Good luck!

        Reply
      • JayMo

        Just found out my 6yo son is not mine and i been in life since he been born he calls me dad I’m heartbroken his mother tried putting me on child support that’s the only reason i got the DNA and i did not sing the birth certificate so am i out the clear but i also still want to be in his life

        Reply
        • DDC

          JayMo, you should get guidance from a family-law attorney or social worker where you live right away.

          Reply
        • Barry

          Found out I’m not the biological father to a 2yr old girl. I’m not with mother. I serve her for court hearing what is the outcome to this situation?

          Reply
    • Kayla

      Hello. When I was 20 years old I found out I was 5 weeks and 3 days pregnant with my now 5 year old daughter. Prior to getting pregnant I was sleeping with my ex boyfriend at the time as well as my new sexual partner. I remember having sex with my ex twice and from then on I continued to have sex with my new sexual partner. About 3 weeks after having sex with my new sexual partner I found out I was pregnant. I told my new sexual partner it was his and he has raised her and been a great father ever since. I do remember getting a period in between the two different men but as the years have gone on things have gotten foggy and I am overthinking everything. My daughter doesn’t really look like her dad (my new sexual partner) and I am so afraid she is not his. We are not together and he has been charged with domestic violence against me and has done probation and parenting classes and we have split legal custody of my daughter. I am so scared one day that she will turn out to not being his and he will kill me. When he gets mad he is abusive and scary and I don’t know what to do. I love my daughter and I want to protect her I didn’t mean for this confusion and I didn’t intend to tell the wrong man he was her dad. This was not intentional and I feel full of guilt and fear about the future. I want to runaway with my daughter but I am not even sure if I am worrying for nothing? The conception dates line up with when I was sleeping with him ( my new sexual partner and her dad) and I faintly remember getting a period in between the 2 men. My first ultrasound she was .53 cm which corresponds to a conception date of October 4th which was when I was sleeping with her dad. But as time has gone on I have been a worried mess for a long time and I fear that I fucked up somewhere. I don’t want to hurt anyone especially my daughter. I am scared. I know he would hurt me if she turned out to not be his. I don’t know what to do. He loves my daughter and is a great dad despite what he did to me which is why he is on probation. But I am scared so I do nothing. I don’t want to live my life like this and I don’t want my daughter to not trust me one day if it turns out he is not her dad. I feel stuck in my life with no solution to this problem and I don’t know what to do. I have never spoken to anyone about this. It fills my head all the time, every day. I feel like a horrible person and like a bad mom. I love my daughter more than anything and don’t want to hurt her. And I also don’t want to hurt him because I fear he will kill him self if these thoughts and fears turn out to be true. Please help and don’t judge.

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Kayla. Your story is a tough one. You don’t need to make any decisions immediately. Meanwhile, might I suggest that you speak with a counselor or social worker? They will be the best to advise you on any possible legal matters.

        Reply
    • Rebekah

      His name is on the birth certificate but took a paternity test and it was negative of being the father. He wants to remove his name from the birth certificate but it’s been more jab 2 years what is the process? This is for the state of California.

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Rebekah. If you’ll contact California’s Department of Vital Records, they’ll be able to provide that info.

        Reply
    • Courtney

      Want to establish paternity legally for the reason being i signed the birth certificate at birth to later find out the child is not biologically mine. Mom and I never married, child is 16 now. Child support began immediately after birth. Finding out from paternal father he has been sending cash the whole time to mother, but put me on child support. I dont even speak to the child now. Mom and i have been broken up for more than 10+ yrs. How do i go about getting Child Support back, income tax being withheld etc etc etc.

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Courtney. That is a legal question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live. Good luck!

        Reply
  2. Misunderstanding

    If the alleged father went on the 22nd February and you and the child missed the date and you both went on the 7th of March.it took them until the 6th of April to send the results.plus the state worker made you swab both you and your child’s mouth can that effect the test.

    Reply
    • DDC

      No, it shouldn’t.

      Reply
    • Joe

      I have a soon to be 13 year old daughter, who I have paid child support for 9 years. Up until my x wife signed the paper for the child support to stop. I have now found out I may not be her dad, should I get a paternity test done. And if I found out I am not the father what should I do then. Will my x wife be in trouble for lying to me about the child being mine this whole time.

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Joe. If you are considered the legal father, you may order a paternity test, yes. The child is considered legally yours if she was born during your marriage. As to the second issue you ask about, that is a question best answered by a family-law attorney in your area.

        Reply
    • Alex

      So me and ex girlfriend were off and on for some months. She ended up pregnant last July 2020 and Just gave birth March 2021. I found out through via text she was sleeping around with her bestfriend. So I became suspicious of the child was mine or not. I ordered a DNA test and secretly did it when she left the baby with me one and the results came back I’m not the Father. How do I go bout bringing that to her attention that I’m not the father even tho I did the DNA test without her acknowledgment of it. She has been harassing me about doing stuff for the kid but since I know what I know I haven’t done anything.

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Alex. Unless you want to, you are under no obligation to do anything for the child right now unless you signed the birth certificate or an acknowledgment of paternity. If you did either of those things, you have two years to appeal paternity to the court and should talk to a family-law attorney. If you didn’t sign any documents yet, you can suggest to your girlfriend that you won’t take responsibility for the child until she agrees to a paternity test. You’re not being rude in making that request…you are protecting yourself.

        Reply
  3. Yuliana

    el presunto padre no está excluido como el padre biológico del niño examinado. Según los resultados de las pruebas obtenidas de los loci de ADN listados, la probabilidad de paternidad es de 99.99999999999% esta probabilidad de paternidad se calcula comparando con un individuo aleatorio no relacionado, no probado y no relacionado de la población hispana (se supone que la probabilidad previa es igual a 0.50)….
    Eso quiere decir que si es su padre verdad?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Sí, él es el padre.

      Reply
  4. Dan

    In a Legal paternity test (married couple) if you are NOT the father are the test results for my eyes only ? Or are the results send to the facility that did the cheek swabs or state? Do I have the choice if I don’t want to do anything about my test results?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Dan. I’ll answer each of your questions one by one:
      (1)When privately ordered directly through the lab, everyone possible father, mother, child) is entitled to get copies of results. This is true even if the mother didn’t contribute her DNA or agree to the test, because she’s the legal mother of the child and part of a married couple.The lab where testing was performed provides results directly to the client.
      (2) If a legal paternity test is ordered by the state, results are sent to the state.
      (3) Your third question is a legal one best answered by a family-law attorney or caseworker where you live.

      Reply
      • Dan

        Thanks you getting back so quickly when you said the lab where testing was performed provides results to the client is that the ddc or the place that you go have your cheek swabs? If it is the dcc then the result of the test are not sent to the place that did the cheek swabs just to the possible father mother and child is this correct?
        And your second question . If a legal paternity test is ordered by the state, results are sent to the state. Does this mean the state is the one who is making you do a paternity test if one is refusing to take a test ? If not when does this happen? Thank you for clearing this for me.

        Reply
        • DDC

          > Dan, results are sent directly to the client for a private DNA test and not to the DNA-collection site, that is correct. If the test is ordered by the state, results are sent to them and it is their job to make participants aware of results.
          > There are many reasons why the state might order a paternity test: most often because there’s a need to confirm paternity for custody or child-support rulings.
          > No one, not even the courts, can “force” someone to take a paternity test. But it’s important to know that if a test is ordered and a participant still refuses, chances are good the court will rule in a way that they deem is in the best interests of the child.

          Reply
  5. K Cyrus

    I recently found out from my adult son that he has had a dna test done with another man which revealed that he is his biological father. I am still paying off back child support and interest payments. what can I do?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Oh, that’s a shame. There may not be anything you can do at this point, but it’s worth asking a family-law attorney.

      Reply
    • Elizabeth

      My boyfriend find out that the son he thought was his isn’t his son. He wants to get his name off the birth certificate. How do he go about doin that???

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Elizabeth. Your boyfriend should consult with a family-law attorney since paternity laws vary from state to state. Keep in mind that since he’s already accepted legal responsibility for the child, the court may not allow him to remove his name from the birth certificate.

        Reply
    • Vickie

      My son found out his 11 year old daughter wasn’t his. He was married at the time but now divorced. He never signed the birth certificate, he was overseas in the military when she was born. How can he stop paying child support in Louisiana?

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Vickie. He needs to contact a family-law attorney in Louisiana to see what his options are. But keep in mind that if he was married to the child’s mother at the time the child was born, your son would be considered the legal father of the child.

        Reply
  6. Jliver

    Hi. I live in Arkansas. I was recently hit with a paternity test for a three year old girl. Turns out I am the father. But the mother was married to another man at the time of birth and he is on the birth certificate. He wants rights to the child and is fighting the mother for them. I want nothing to do with it. However the mother has involved me to try to force me into establishing paternity to have his rights taken away. She then wants me to sign off my rights to her (since I do not want to be any part of it anyways and can’t afford the child support with two children of my own). Please someone give me some advice…

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jliver. You definitely need to contact a family-law attorney in your area for guidance.

      Reply
  7. jim

    Recently my wife of 28 years passed. I had suspected that I was not the biological father of our 10 year old son, as he is a spitting image of her co-workers son. Since her passing, I took a paternity test and the results show 0% chance of me being the father. The co-workers son has been and is active in my sons life and I believe it’s a matter of time before he notices. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jim. If the coworker’s son is over 18, then he can do a half-sibling test with your son if everyone agrees. If the coworker’s son is a minor, then permission from his legal parent would be required.

      Reply
      • Cassie

        Hi my boyfriend just took a dna test for his 5 year old son from a past relationship and come to found out That he is not the father. So my question is what is the next step he should be taking right now legally. He have two son with her the other one turn out to be his. He still want to be in his life even after the results but what are the legal step to take.

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Cassie. Paternity law varies by states, so he should contact a family-law attorney to see what next steps should be.

          Reply
  8. Ronny

    Hi, My daughter is 4 1/2 years old and I’m on her birth certificate. But now her mother says she’s not mine I’ve refused to take a DNA test. And I’ve been a huge figure in her life since birth. If mom test the other guy and he is the dad, can they keep my daughter from me?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Ronny. What a stressful situation you’re in! You are under no obligation to agree to a DNA test unless a court compels you to. If you receive a court order, be sure to comply. If you don’t, you risk having the court rule against you even if a DNA test would have proven your daughter is biologically yours. Let’s say you do a court-ordered test and it comes back you’re not the father. The court always acts in the best interest of the child; so even if the DNA test proves you’re not the father, they’ll take into account your excellent track record as a father and rule accordingly. It’s probably a good idea to start looking for a good family-law attorney.

      Reply
  9. Ashley

    I was wondering if tests from amazon are trust worthy paternity tests? I did both on alleged father and both came back that he is not the father my child’s nose is the same shape as his and nothing like mine or the other man

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Ashley. We cannot vouch for other companies’ tests. However, it’s important to keep in mind that physical characteristics are never an absolute determinant of paternity. The child may have inherited a nose from their biological grandparents. Only DNA can tell for sure who a parent is.

      Reply
      • Ashley

        When I got my results from the stk paternity test it had the ddc logo on the results. So are they associated with this company ddc or not?

        Reply
        • DDC

          We do the lab work for STK, yes. Any other questions about STK or your results should be addressed to them directly, however.

          Reply
      • Andrea

        Who should tell a man who’s thought he was the biological father for 35 years that the paternity test says he’s not?

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Andrea. That is an entirely personal decision with no one-size-fits-all answer.

          Reply
      • Aisa

        Hello, February 26th i gave birth to my son who is now 2 years old. My original due date was March 3rd. Where it gets confusing is the conceive dates. I had sex with this boy ONCE i want to say around the very beginning of June (like the 3rd-4th of june) & then after that proceed to have sex with my long time boyfriend for the whole month of june. Me and my long time boyfriend found out i was pregnant in July. And without even thinking about the boy i had sex with that one time , i assumed my baby was my boyfriends. Fast forward to now me and my boyfriend has raised this child & now my boyfriends family is having second thoughts about my son & did a at home dna test from cvs and it says “100% not the father “ now we want to go to legal matters but I’m so scared this will break up my family my boyfriend loves my son a is determined that he is his son , but i looked at a baby picture of the boy i had sex with once and my son looks just like him !! I’m literally freaking out & scared that i have had my boyfriend raise a child that is not his for 2 years . I had no intentions of this happening at all if i would’ve known before my baby was born things would have been different. What should i do ?

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hello, Aisa. It’s best to know the truth as early as possible in the child’s life. Because you were not involved in the at-home test they did, you have no way of knowing for sure if they submitted your son’s and your boyfriend’s DNA for testing. It is possible that they submitted someone else’s and said it was your boyfriend’s. For your own protection, I suggest you do a legal test with court-admissible results. For this type of test, DNA collection is witnessed and IDs are checked, so you can be absolutely sure your boyfriend’s DNA is being compared with your son’s DNA. Contact our experts for more info at 800-929-0847 (M-F from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).

          Reply
  10. David

    Hi I had my daughter out of wedlock. My gf and I broke up when my daughter was 2 and she is now 9. In never had a paternity test and we have never been to court. I have my daughter prob 60% of the time to her 40%. If I got a paternity test and she isn’t mine can I still keep my parental rights at this point? I have been her dad for 9 years. It’s all she knows.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, David. Every state has different paternity rules. That being said, if you are on the birth certificate, then you have legally accepted responsibility for the child, and the court may require you to continue providing support no matter what a DNA test says. It’s a good idea to contact a family-law attorney in your area who specializes in paternity law.

      Reply
  11. Judy

    My husband who is deceased had a son . She was pregnant and they were married about 1 year. My husband always doubted he was the father. His son who is now 43 , was told by his mother that my husband was not his father. Can I take her to court to get back child support? My husband did get custody when he was 15.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Judy. That is a question best answered by a family-law attorney near you, since paternity law varies from state to state. Good luck!

      Reply
  12. Jordan

    Hi, Found out that I Have a 3 year old daughter saw a picture of her, she looked just like me and I did a test with her and the mother. She’s mine, however the current Legal fathers name is on the birth certificate and also has custody over her. I have just found out about this and want the opportunity to raise my biological daughter. We haven’t contacted him yet I just don’t know what the best course of action is since I never had the chance to be there or had any say in this matter. It all happened without my knowledge until just now. I want the opportunity to give my child what I never had growing up. Is there anything I can do? (State: CA)

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jordan. Since paternity law varies by state, I suggest you contact a California family-law attorney to see what your options are.

      Reply
  13. Jim

    My daughter is 23 . Her mother and I separated when she was 10 months old . I fought and won custody of her and her 2 year old brother ( he was 5 when I won custody ) I raised her with my 2nd wife ( We got together 4 years after the initial separation , no funny business ) Well the other day , my daughters results came back from an ancestry site . I have had mine for a couple of years . Well low and behold , It appears I’m not her biological father . Spent the last 2 days crying and wanting to curl up in a ball and die . Has anyone else experienced this and if so , how did you get through it ?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Oh Jim, I’m so sorry to hear that. There are support groups for NPE (Not Parent Expected) on web sites as well as on Facebook. There are lots of folks out there just like you, I promise.

      Reply
      • Jim

        Thank you . My daughter and I will get through this together . It is still very new to us . Her Mom lives 3,000 miles away and both of my kids on saw her on occasion . Both went to live with her when they were teens but it was short lived .
        Ex wife is still claiming her innocence . I’m leaving it up to my daughter if she wants a DNA test or not . Still love her the same no matter what

        Reply
  14. XDA

    My girl friend and I had a baby. I worked away for weeks at a time. I signed the birth certificate because I believe her when she the baby was mine. Now looking at the baby at 10 months and the baby doesn’t look nothing like me. My girl friend has a son by another man and the baby looks just like her and her son. If I get a DNA and the baby is not mine do I have to pay child support.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, XDA. Physical characteristics are subjective and therefore are never absolute proof of relationship. Only DNA can tell for sure. Paternity law varies, but in many cases the court will sustain a judgment for child support no matter the outcome because in signing the birth certificate you took legal responsibility for the child. You should contact a family-law attorney for options.

      Reply
  15. Kalaeb

    OK so I was with a girl for six years and she was still married we found out that she was pregnant and she always told me there was no doubt in her mind that I was the father and I believed I was also we booth before she became pregnant had a habbit that we booth became sober and stayed sober my daughter was born a bit over two years ago and a couple most this after we had her I became depressed and scared of not being good in her life this caused me to stay away from home now this is in no feeling of me not loving my daughter I love her with everything I am I would never fully abandon her but I ran from myself and stayed away from home so she would not feel my energy if this makes much sense the bond that connects me and her from her listibingvto my voice and feeling my touch as she grew in her moma is to me a very real and strong connection me and her momma seoerated and at first she did not keep her and I from eachither we got to get her a few times a week and it was going well but as time went on she started taking our time away and setting deadlines for me to make changes or she would take more time away to where she would as only letting me see her once a month for like an hour. I stays depressed never taught her or caused any disruption that would created stress or anger in either her or me for our daughters best interest so I followed what she wanted she promised me she would never take her out of my life or try to keep her away she knew I love my daughter to no end and would never put harm or do anything to lead or not be there for her but I was on my own in dealing with my depression an would not talk to me or let me go to her church she gave no slak forcing me to try and be strong enough to do it on my own for our daughter the more time she took and the mor she did not let me be involved in for her first years growing the more deoresed and lost I but can be t I never stooed trying to see her or be around her I asked and tried till I came for my visit last month it was great all three of us as usual had a great time my daughter as always was so excited to be with me and we put her to bed I went to leave she asked me to stay because a couple friends we’re coming to support her life through something she wanted to say they shows up and out of no where she said she had a dream that our daughter got sic she took her to the hospital and the doctor checked her out and said she was fine but she should know that the man you say is her father is not her father . so because of this dream she got a test online asked me if I would take it I agreed thinking there was no doubt she even told me she really did not doubt it rather but she said no Ben if it comes out as you ar not I want you to know I am not taking her out of your life or her from yours you will still be her papa if you still feel that way I of course would feel no different if I was not I. We were bonded from day one and will always be connected I know so I took the swab now I did not watch her swab my daughter she did that after I left the next day she said and she nt it off and she got the results last week which she said were not a positive that I was not her biological father it broke my heart some but yet I of as still happy beacus she is as still my daughter I’ve Ben her papa for two years and good owing in her belley for 8 months she and I love each other with out a doubt our bond will be there for ever but unexpectedly never in my mind was I ready for what she did after I went and met her at the park last weekend we had a amazing afternoon at the park I raked up a pile of leaves she had never jumped in a pile of leaves yet so I we rolls in them and laughs till it was time for them to head home I called her a couple days later trying to ask if I could see her again that I had a jacket and some other winter cloths to give her and she said no the next day she called me asking to talk to me and when I called she broke every bit of haoinessbi have in me she said that she has chose for her best interest to not have me in her life any longer that she talked to a councalor and they agreed and that I was basicly for the last two years just in her life as a fun play day and I was not a good role model for her to look up to or to teach her I. Good so I was. Not going to see her any more its best she does not want to confuse her beacus one day. She will be asking where her father is and who he is now why would she ever think that being show knows me as her papa from the minute she was born I helps pull her catch her wrap her and I held her to my bare chest crying even before her momma beacus she was loosing blood and not doing well I need to know what do I need to do to fight for my daughter to have each other stay in our lives her mommashould not be able to break us away this way is there another way I can have a test done that is for shire done right one that other whiteness or I witness me and her being swabd with out a doubt beacus I’m torn apart not having her in my life as I know she will be also what is her mama thinking she will never forget me and I am not some gie that does not want to be a good parent in her life I’ve got my obsticles I am fighting in my life but never have I put any of them I. Or around her more would I ever and I’m fighting for help with what I need to overcome doing things alone with out having lived ones standing with you and how lping you through things is not a easy struggle but I fight to do it and will do it what ar my opshions where can I start for awnsers I’ll do whatever I need to to have her in my life growing up anything I can just point me I. The place to start and I’ll put everything I’ve got into loving her through our lifes

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Kalaeb. I suggest you contact a family-law attorney to help determine if you have a strong enough case to request paternity testing through the courts.

      Reply
  16. Bob

    I got involved with a woman who told me she was done with her boyfriend. We had intercourse and then I found out she was pregnant, but then the bombshell news she also had done things with her “ex”

    He walked in on her taking a pregnancy test the next day and immediately assumed it was his, and told his family. I was told that she was going to leave him for me but took several months of delaying it, always pushing it off for this or that.

    She says no matter what the results are she wants me to be as much the dad, but it seems I’m only good enough to be the father privately, as she doesn’t want this perfect picture of this family portrait to be ruined.

    She stayed with her boyfriend for months living there, I’d see her when he was at work. I was continually told she would leave him, she eventually did, but I’m still not publicly her boyfriend because she doesn’t want the backlash of that yet, let alone the idea I could very well be the father.

    With COVID I can’t be in the delivery room, and she’s planning on staying at this guys house for the first two weeks after the baby. Meaning I won’t be able to really interact or see the baby.

    What should I do? It’s hard enough trying to make things work as a couple considering he doesn’t know about me, and my only real entry here is as her boyfriend, since I’m not publicly the dad. He doesn’t have to worry about losing his role…

    I said even if the results came back as mine I would want this person to be as much involved as me, since he’s as attached as I am. I want to be fair and gracious in this situation, but I feel like I’ve gave and gave so much so they can keep this illusion of a perfect family…

    What are some things I should be aware of? I feel like if we break up my role is literally gone, since this guy has assumed the role of the dad publicly.

    The baby has a few months before she’s here. I went to the gender reveal, but only as a guest…it made me feel so alone, I was almost invisible. I’ve felt invisible for the whole process. Didn’t get picked the name.

    I asked her if I should walk away, she wants me to be a part of this but doesn’t want to do anything in the slightest to inconvenience this other person and his family.

    I need a seat at the table too.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Bob. That sounds like a rough situation to be in. What I always recommend is that a man not commit to anything until a legal paternity test has been performed. This will protect you from future heartache. If she refuses, then you have two years to have it addressed through the courts. When you’re emotionally involved, it’s hard to face the reality that you may be getting played, so you have to do whatever you can to protect yourself financially. That baby may very well not be yours.

      Reply
  17. Sierra

    My soon to be ex husband is claiming my fiancé’s child is his even though there is absolutely no chance the baby is his and I have agreed to a dna test know this (he knows this too but he is trying to hurt us) he says even if the rest comes back negative he can and will claim the baby anyways because there is a law that says he can.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Sierra. Paternity law varies, but in most states, if you were still married at the time of conception and when the baby is born, then the man you are married to is considered the legal father of the child. You should probably contact a family-law attorney about possible solutions.

      Reply
  18. Coco

    My child father did a dna on 15 of November .. never close the test or even fill out the paperwork in front of me … 5 days later told me she wasn’t his

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Coco. Results of an at-home test cannot be used in court.

      Reply
  19. Ashlee

    My child’s father signed his birth certificate and since we’ve broken up says that he not paying child support is he obligated to pay child support if he already signed the birth certificate he trying to figure out ways to prolong the process so now he wants a DNA test.

    Reply
  20. Brian

    I had a child with a woman several years ago, and had no reasons not to assume the child was mine. At about six months old, we parted ways, but due to the mother’s habits and history, I was awarded primary custody of the child with the mother retaining visitation and paying the very minimal state child support due to her lack of working. Just recently, mom contacted close friends of mine and informed them that the child is NOT, in fact, mine and bragged about how I’m now raising a child that naturally belongs to someone else. At this point, I’m over torn as the child is now 12 years old, but is just now exhibiting physical and mental traits that may overwhelmingly support the mother’s recent statements. Do I have a paternity test just so I know…and what sort of effects do most dads have to endure if they find out the child that they’ve raised for so long isn’t truly theirs?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Brian. What a tough situation to be in! After 12 years, I think you would agree the parental bond between you and your child is established whether or not you’re connected through DNA. Everyone handles these types of situations differently. It may be helpful to you to have a therapist or member of the clergy help you with the decision about whether or not to have a paternity test. If you decide you want a paternity test, all of us at DDC are ready to help. I wish you all the best.

      Reply
      • Vincenzo

        I live in CT, Myself & my girlfriend have been together for almost 8 years, we recently had a baby girl whjo is 5 months old, my question is I suspect I might not be the father, I did sign a last name paper at the hospital, I’m thinking about getting a paternity test, if it’s negative (not the father) can I get the birth certificate changed to the mothers name & not claim responsibility??

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Vincenzo. You may not be able to since you already signed an acknowledgment of paternity…that is a question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.

          Reply
  21. Grant

    My ex Gf contacted me and told me I have a 1year old son so we did a DNA test and the results shows that I’m not the biological father. She now wants to take me to court because she’s not satisfied with the results. What can I do as this is soo much stress… I want her to leave me alone

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Grant. You are under no obligation to do anything or agree to anything unless the court compels you to. If the court finds reason to order a legal paternity test with witnessed DNA collection and you don’t comply, you risk having the court rule you to be the biological father even if a test would have shown you’re not.

      Reply
  22. Brianne

    My son is 9 years old and in 2012 we took a DNA test came back the guy on the birth certificate wasn’t the daddy . So fast forward to 2021 and we now want to go forward with removing him off the birth certificate . What are the next steps

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Brianne. Your first step is to contact your state’s Department of Vital Statistics to see what the requirements are where you live.

      Reply
  23. Jason

    Years ago I took a paternity test it came back the child wasn’t mine, I took another paternity test for the same child 25 years later and it says I am the parent. Am I responsible for those past years?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jason. That is a question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.

      Reply
  24. Kate

    My soon to be husband just had a woman come forward and say that her almost 6 year old is his. He does not believe it’s his and says if it is that he does not want to be a part of the child’s life. Is he able to sign his rights away to this child

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Kate. That is a question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.

      Reply
  25. Lily

    Hi I got pregnant for my boyfriend in dec 2019 had my baby in September ,he came and married me and was happy we expecting a baby, next thing he leave to his home town and never showed up again, now my baby is about to be 1 ur old I filed child support on him,they find him and we want a dna testing done but he is in a diffrent state, so we both ordered to take dna testing in two diffrent state and then we will have a pre trial settlement zoom court ,I feel he might submit the wrong dna or do some paternity fraud to escape child support just worried .

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Lily. If the test is a court-admissible one that requires a chain-of-custody process and witnessed DNA collection and submission, then you can be confident it’s his DNA being tested.

      Reply
  26. Prudence

    I have a son, his father did a paternity DNA test and it came out to be nagetive, but the problem is, my son look like his father. And am sure is was a wrong DNA test because they didn’t even show the percentage and they just told me that my son is mine but not the father his father. I wanted them to prove it to me, but they told me they can’t. Please show me what to do.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hello, Prudence. The laboratory should be able to go over the test report with you and explain through the data why it is an exclusion. You may want to do a test with a different lab.

      Reply
  27. Terrel

    I woman i use to sleep with was married. She told me the baby wasnt mine when i asked. Now 10 years later she messages me saying she might be my daughter and just thought i should know. I asked for a DNA test but she wont give me one. Can i take legal action to get one?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Terrel. Since family laws for paternity vary by state, I suggest you contact a family-law attorney where you live for advice and direction. Good luck!

      Reply
  28. Alain

    Bonjour, 1st, sorry for my english…
    I am divorced but later learned that 2 of my four kids are not mine (#1 and #3). My Daughter learned the news the same time as me, she was 21 and took it lets say pretty well but made a comment “I am glad I discovered this now and not younger or in high school or during university, It will have been very hard”. Because of this comment, I have not told my 15 year old son.
    He is very very attached to me but one day I will have to tell him. I know there is no good or best time I believe to tell the truth but I will have to. I am afraid that he will say what haven’t you tell me earlier, or you lied to me all those years etc… I am scare of that but I think after my daughter comment it is the less bad way to do, so I will wait.
    Also, we talk about the kids but the father in all of this… what about him? It is not easy for him, for me. I married her for love and she was pregnant from someone else and I feel (I know it can sound terrible and selfish, and I adore my kids) like some how she stole my life because I will not have married her if I knew it was not my kid…
    All of this to say that it is not easy for both side but the truth need to be said and the right moment if there is one will come as an evidence.
    Merci for reading
    I

    Reply
    • DDC

      Thank you, Alain. You are proof that being a loving father has nothing at all to do with DNA. All the best to you!

      Reply
  29. Jack

    Hi, I live in Illinois and I have always wondered if this now 18 year old girl is my child. My and her mother entered into a relationship while in college when we were 20 & 21. We broke up like most do, and I found out a short time later she was pregnant and in a new relationship shortly after our breakup. She at the time denied the baby was mine and that I didn’t need to worry. She ended up marring the man she dated after me, had the baby girl and more kids even after that. They have been happy and married ever since. I did reach out after the said baby was born, and she again said it wasn’t mine! I’ve lived wondering for the past 18 years of her first born was mine or not. I recently reached out to the child outside of the mother’s and father’s knowledge and got a paternity test. Results should be back soon. What are my next steps if I am her biological dad, and next legal recourse, if any? I’m sure this will disrupt all their lives a lot, and will bring clarification to this child and me. Can the parents stop me, if she still lives with them? What are all the limitations? I am unmarried, and do my own thing living on my own. Both other parents are well off, and I’m doing well myself. Just looking for answers and to find out if she is mine or not.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jack. Because the young woman you tested with is an adult, she was eligible to have a DNA test done without her parents’ consent. As for next steps, all your questions are best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.

      Reply
  30. Owen

    My son is 11 months old and I am in the BC. I have been there since the very beginning, doctor visits, delivery room, etc. He is my world. I left the mother after a second domestic violence issue where she attacked me while holding the baby who was 6 months at the time. She also turned into a major drug addict as well. DCF is involved and see the baby is well taken care of in my care and after trying to talk to her and trying to get her to drug test have stated she shouldn’t have an authority over an child. Refusal of drug tests counts as positive drugs tests so it marks her for 3 positives. She has now tried to have a emergency removal of my son back to her and the judge stayed that if DCF says the child can go back then he does and refused to see or hear my evidence I have on the drug use and violence. She has also filed to have a paternity test done to determine if I am the father or not. There is a possibility he may not be mine due to a time she did cheat. As I stated earlier I did sign the BC and I do believe and treat him as my own. If it turns out he isn’t, will I lose him forever? I don’t want to lose him.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Owen. That is a super-tough situation. Paternity law varies from state to state and so I highly recommend that you contact a family-law attorney to help protect your rights. Good luck!

      Reply
  31. Timothy

    Hi , In Arizona my son is 17. I always had a hunch he is not my biological. Now I owe crazy child support from over the years . Name is on the birth certificate but mother changed his name without telling me. So upset I can’t get a passport

    Reply
    • DDC

      Have you tried contacting a family-law attorney? That would be your best option.

      Reply

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