How do you prove paternity?

On Behalf of | Feb 21, 2022 | Child Custody

If you are told that you’re the father of a child and don’t believe that you are, there is an opportunity there to ask questions and find out if what you’ve been told is the truth. Life isn’t always straightforward, so it may be reasonable for you to talk to your spouse or partner about having a DNA test performed to prove that you are or are not the father of a child.

DNA is the standard method of proving paternity when there is a question about who the father is. DNA tests are highly accurate, and other than a few unique cases, such as if you are a twin, you can typically trust the results.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, DNA paternity tests are nearly 100% accurate.

How can you make sure the test is as secure as possible?

If you want to be sure that the test is performed correctly and has an accurate result, one thing you can do is make sure you and the child are present at the testing facility at the same time.

If you have concerns about sending in a sample or are worried that the mother may try to manipulate the results for some reason, then it’s essential that you do ask that all parties are present. DNA tests are normally done in a medical setting when you need the results for legal purposes, which is done to help prevent problems like DNA mix-ups or fraud.

Are DNA tests painful for the child?

DNA tests use either blood or a cheek swab to gather the sample needed. As a result, it’s not painful for a child to go through DNA testing. The test may be completely noninvasive, allowing the test to be performed at any time after a child’s birth.

DNA tests give you an opportunity to know for certain that you are a child’s father and to give you the peace of mind of knowing that you are truly the parent responsible for their care and upbringing. If you have concerns about a child’s heritage, it’s worth considering taking a DNA test.

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