Paternity Testing and the Courts: What You Need to Know

Why Do You Need a Court-ordered Paternity Test?

DNA Paternity tests can provide peace of mind for families who simply want to determine parenthood. In those cases, they may opt for an at-home paternity test. For more serious inquiries, however, these types of tests will not do.

At-home paternity tests are NOT court admissible

For court cases when paternity results are necessary for child custody, visitation and child support proceedings, DNA testing must follow a reliable chain of custody process to avoid fraud or contamination.

DNA testing can be court admissible, even if they are self-ordered, so long as they follow the legal process that can account for chain-of-custody

Paternity & Parental Responsibility

When a child is produced by a couple who is not legally married, custody, visitation and child support cannot be carried out until a legal relationship is established between child and parent. On the other hand, a parent may remain legally and financially responsible for a child who was conceived during the course of legal marriage, even if there is no biological relationship. If the partneity is in question, it is best to obtain DNA results before a birth certificate is signed or a parent makes public claims of paternity, especially if the DNA results will determine the financial or emotional support of the child whose paternity is in question.

Nearly 300,000 paternity tests are performed in the United States annually to include or exclude a male as the biological father of a child.

I’m Not the Father

Mistaken cases of paternity are legitimate. Termination of the child-parent relationship is possible under the Texas Family Code. According to the Texas Attorney General’s office, a genetic test is necessary to determine mistaken paternity when a man is ordered to pay child support but does not believe he is the father of the child(ren). Once termination is awarded by the courts, child support requirements will be suspended, but any unpaid child support due prior to termination must still be paid.

A Child is Always Involved

Paternity tests are sensitive in nature and, regardless of outcome, involve the well-being of a child or children. Using a third party in cases of paternity is encouraged, as paternity cases often include a wide range of strong emotions. To avoid dramatic conflict, it is best to employ the services of a third party provider like DNA Specialists of Houston to ensure reliable, court approved results that can provide answers that satisfy the concerns of all involved parties.

Reliable Testing

DNA Specialist of Houston can help you get started in establishing paternity through legal, court admissible DNA results. We can provide prenatal testing, as well as relationship testing options in the event that the alleged father is deceased or unavailable. Click here for more information on DNA Paternity Testing.