When is it Advisable to Take a Paternity Test?

As you likely well know, a paternity test is a medical procedure that is used to determine the biological father of a child or adult. A paternity test may be for legal, financial, or emotional reasons. Listed below are some times when a paternity test may be in order:

1. Prenatal paternity testing can be done using a sample of amniotic fluid or tissue from the placenta. These tests can be performed with a certain amount of risk if there is a question about paternity or to test for genetic disorders and diseases.
2. Often paternity tests are done at birth or soon after the baby is born. These collect blood samples from the mother, infant, and potential father that are sent for lab testing to establish legal paternity reliably.
3. When the father of a child doubts that he is the biological parent, as in the case of infidelity, one-night stands, or multiple partners, paternity tests can establish clear parentage. Establishing legal paternity can make legal rights and obligations clear.
4. Legal disputes are another reason that paternity can come into question. Establishing paternity for child custody, inheritance, or child support could be essential.
5. Paternity tests might be suggested because of family genetic disorders or diseases. It is sometimes recommended to identify genetic risks to give medical professionals more information so they can better treat or monitor a medical condition the child may have.
6. Emotional closure is another reason to perform a paternity test. If the father has doubts about his paternity or if the mother needs confirmation, a paternity test can put to rest any doubts either parent might have.

Reasons Establishing Paternity is Crucial

Determining a child’s biological father can have legal, financial, and emotional ramifications for all parties. Here are some reasons why establishing paternity is particularly important.

Legal Rights and Obligations

By determining paternity, rights and responsibilities are more evident. For instance, child custody, visitation, and child support can be established. Fathers owe a legal duty to their offspring to provide for them financially. Legal paternity must be established so that this obligation can be enforced.

Health and Medical History

Genetic information can help mitigate a child’s health conditions by understanding their medical history. By paternity testing, healthcare professionals may be able to identify any congenital abnormalities or diseases that might put the child at risk so they can monitor and treat them if necessary.

Emotional Well-Being

Knowing the paternity of a child encourages the father to bond with his child and establish himself as a father. This provides the child with the self-confidence that comes with emotional well-being.

Inheritance Rights

In the case of a father’s passing, it is important that a child’s paternity be legally established so that any claims they may have to their father’s estate not be contested. Without genetic proof, a child may not have a claim on their father’s assets or their inheritance.

Adoption

When a child is given over for adoption, it is essential for the child’s best interest to know who their biological father is. This way, he can have a say in the adoption process as well as the mother.

Before Paternity Testing, Contact Us.

For many reasons, parents decide that paternity testing is vital to them. It is essential to consider the potential implications of a paternity test, so seeking legal advice can be helpful. Once paternity is established, the father’s legal name will be placed on the child’s birth certificate, giving him rights as well as responsibilities to the child. Contact one of the family law attorneys with Cohen Family Law, LLC, to discuss what a paternity test might mean for you.