How to Test for Paternity

Establishing paternity is important.

Establishing paternity is crucial in protecting a child's legal rights as well as his sense of wellbeing, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Once paternity is established a child may have access to medical insurance and child support. He may also be entitled to social security, veterans, or inheritance benefits. Healthcare providers can manage the child's health more effectively when a complete medical history is known. The bond between father and child is also strengthened when paternity is established. Blood and DNA tests can affirmatively determine paternity with a 99.99 percent accuracy rate and paternity can be excluded with 100 percent accuracy.

Instructions

1. Go to your local child support office and request help establishing your child's paternity. All states run a child support enforcement program that provides free genetic paternity testing in all contested cases. The father will be given the chance to voluntarily acknowledge paternity. If he refuses then genetic testing will be ordered.

2. Request help at your local county assistance office. If you qualify for TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) you will be required by law to seek reimbursement from the father. Welfare workers will initiate the paternity proceeding on your behalf.

3. File a paternity action in court. A paternity action suit can be started by either the mother or the father. This legal motion begins the process of having a man declared as the father of a child. Paternity testing will be ordered by the court if the father does not voluntarily acknowledge paternity.

4. Contact a DNA testing facility directly. You will need to have the cooperation of the father to proceed with this method. The mother, father and child will all need to provide samples to the facility. Costs range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, according to the American Pregnancy Association. For a list of DNA centers go to the American Pregnancy Association website (americanpregnancy.org).

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Children & Families
• American Pregnancy Association: Paternity Testing