Doctor holding buccal swab in test tube on paternity DNA test result chart form
When you have a child, the usual hope is that everything is a nice and happy family and no issues around the child exist. For many, this isn’t always the case.
Paternity tests are an important piece that can help the more uncertain child situations get solved. The question becomes, when can you get a paternity test and why?
There are a few situations that you may need a paternity test. We’ll help you navigate the major ones today.
When Can You Get a Paternity Test (And Why)
DNA paternity testing is a simple medical exam that determines the correct mother and father of any person. While this test isn’t 100% foolproof, many courts use its accuracy for a lot of legal issues.
Most of these issues come from the separation of some sort between the mother and father.
1. Legal Birth Certificate
In a lot of states, a couple who are not married run into some legal issues when a child comes into the picture. This affects the father the most, as birth puts a stronger claim on the identity of the mother.
In this case, a father must take a paternity test to prove they are the father. This will allow them to sign the birth certificate.
2. Gaining Child Custody
Legal battles over a child can be grueling and require a lot of back and forth evidence. The more evidence you bring into court, the stronger a case you might have.
One of the foundational pieces of evidence is a paternity test. This is more common for the fathers, again because their identity can be harder to prove.
Establishing paternity can solidify a legal battle for custody.
3. Refusing Child Support
In the opposite case regarding child custody, a father might want to attempt to refuse child support or custody.
The biggest reason for this choice is because they believe that the child is not theirs. A paternity test will prove whether they are right, and if they are, a court cannot force them to provide child support.
4. Immigration
During the immigration process, paternity tests are common. Because the records of family relations aren’t in the country, this helps to provide who is family and who is not.
Children immigrating to the US require a familial relation to be their beneficiary. This provides proof.
5. Adoption Issues
The final big issue for a paternity test comes up in the case of an unknown adoption. When you put a child up for adoption, often the parents are unknown. When the child later goes to find their parents, they will need proof.
In some cases, the father does not need to be present for the mother to put the child up for adoption. As such, they have more need for a paternity test in this case. The mother may have hospital records to prove relation.
The Knowledge for a Happy Life
While some of these situations may not be happy times, being in the know about how to get through them will make for a happier and stress-free life. When can you get a paternity test is a big question, but now you know!
There are a lot of little details in life that you can improve with a good dose of knowledge. From legal affairs like this to health issues and even travel ideas!
Here we have a little bit of everything. Check out one of our other articles for some solid life advice!