Paternity: The DNA Test and Common Questions

Anyone who has ever watched syndicated talk shows knows that it is a cinch to get a DNA test and determine quickly the paternity of any child. These analyses come in handy when the father disputes his relation to the child or if the mother isn't sure who the father is. Sometimes done for private concerns and sometimes court ordered, the results are exclusionary to the point where there is no doubt as to their accuracy. For that, we live in a fortunate time, or unfortunate, depending on the perspective from which you're approaching your impending screening. Here are some of the common questions regarding the process.

"Does the baby need to be born first?"

Indeed not, in many cases. There is a form of the paternity DNA test that can be done in a prenatal environment and determine the child's fatherhood before birth. The newer versions of this testing are very safe to both the child and the mother. It can be a good thing to get the results as soon as possible so both the mother and the father can begin making the appropriate arrangements. It is also important for someone who suspects he is not the father, as he may not wish to be financially responsible for the child. Look to your local clinics and private facilities to see if they offer this screening.

"Does the mother need to be involved?"

A DNA test can be done without the mother's participation, given that the mother approves of the testing being done. Most clinics will not charge more for the kind of testing done without a mother's participation and the results should be every bit as accurate. Having said all that, there are very good reasons for the mother to be involved. For one, the court may deem that it must be that way. Two, the mother can be privy to a copy of the results if she participates, which she may not otherwise be. Finally, if there are unexpected results, her input and analysis may be needed.

"Can the test be done if the suspected father isn't around?"

This is a little trickier, but a DNA test isn't out of the question. The first option is to find a sample of the missing father's blood or tissue. This can be done if there is some in storage. This is more likely to be successful if the father is dead, rather than missing, as the coroner's office will have the samples needed. If this isn't possible, a grandparentage test may be possible. If a DNA test can prove that both parents of the suspected father are related to the baby, it can be used as indirect evidence that the man is indeed the father.

A New Braunfels DNA test will give you the answers you have been looking for. Get started today at http://www.fas-tesnewbraunfels.com/.

View the original article here

Family Law: Paternity Testing

Determining the paternity of a child falls under the category of family law. On one side of the situation, a woman is asking the courts to determine whether or not a man is the father of her child. On the other hand, a father could be looking to establish his paternity and gain rights for visitation and in some cases, custody. These actions can be contested or non-contested.

Contested Paternity:
There are two different types of contested paternity cases under family law. A private action involves a mother seeking out child support payments or attempting to create a relationship between the child and the potential father. The mother and the potential father will each have their own attorney to make that their rights are protected. The state can also bring up a case to determine the paternity of a child that is going to be receiving some type of aid from the state.

In both cases, the man has the option to contest the paternity test. In the same way, if a man is bringing a case against a woman to allow him access or visitation of a child that he believes is his, the woman can contest the paternity test and refuse to name the man as the father.

Non-Contested Paternity:
In some cases, both people want to know that a man is the biological father or a child. Once paternity is established, the man gains not only the rights that come along with being the father under family law, but also the responsibility including financial support. Typically these proceedings take less time, as both people want to know whom the father is.

A paternity test is often administered by using a swab on the side of the potential father's mouth. This person is often referred to as the putative father. (It means that the man is "generally regarded" as the child's father.) The lab that handles the test must have an American Association of Blood Bank accreditation.

Once paternity is established, family law lists out some of the parameters of the relationship. However, people still spend time working out the details and deciding how the relationship will continue. In some cases, the two parties can work things out, create a cordial relationship and share custody and financial responsibility of the child. On the other hand, once paternity is determined, often people continue to settle the matters in court, looking to draw out the boundaries of the relationship.

If you are going to be involved in a case that deals with family law and paternity, it is important to find an attorney with knowledge and experience in these types of situations. Even if you are a potential father that plans to comply with the request, it is worth having a lawyer on your side.

A Long Island family law specialist can help you with your case. Do not hesitate to seek help and visit: http://www.sfbflaw.com/.

View the original article here