Do You Need A Paternity Test?

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. Even if the parents were unmarried at the time of the baby's birth, both parents still have legal responsibilities for the child's health and well-being.

In some situations, a paternity test is required to establish the identity of the father. How do you know when a paternity test is necessary, though? What types of paternity tests are available? In this blog post, the lawyers at the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to clear up some of these questions surrounding paternity testing.

When Do You Need a Paternity Test?

Paternity tests are special forms of DNA testing used to prove who the child's father is. These tests are typically used in two main situations:
  • To prove who the child's father is if the mother is unmarried.
  • To dispute the husband's status as the father if the mother is married.
Just because the child's mother is unmarried does not mean she is solely responsible for supporting the child. Paternity tests are used to prove who the child's father is so the courts can dictate responsibilities accordingly. If the child's mother is married, the husband is automatically assumed to be the child's father and will legally be treated as such unless someone disputes it. 

When Do You Get A Paternity Test?

In Missouri, paternity tests are only required when there is a disagreement or uncertainty about the child's father. If both parents are in agreement about the father's identity, paternity tests are not necessary. Rather, the parents can acknowledge paternity using a form affidavit that can be obtained from the State of Missouri. 

What Else Do I Need To Know About Paternity Tests?

It's worth pointing out that if there are questions about the child's father, it is better to resolve them sooner rather than later. Paternity tests are designed to identify the father so the child can receive proper care and support, but changing the identity of the child's father figure after they are old enough to remember the switch could be a very traumatic experience for the child. For the sake of the child, then, it is best to resolve any issues surrounding paternity as soon as possible.

PMCW Law Can Help

It surely goes without saying that paternity disputes can be incredibly emotional. Our experienced Camden County family attorneys can provide you with the objective, level-headed representation that you need to handle your paternity case efficiently and effectively. Contact us to get started today!

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Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
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Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

Comments

  1. Herry JohnsonSeptember 5, 2015 at 12:31 AM

    The main focus concerns the diagnosis of hereditary diseases
    Every paternity establishes a special relationship. This not only means a lifelong emotional bond, but also includes extensive and ongoing legal obligations. As large as the scope of that relationship is, the questions can be just as excruciating if there are any doubts about the Paternity Test, DNA Relationship Test and Identity Proofs. Unlike the mother, as a general rule, the father is naturally often left with his suspicions unless he decides to take a paternity test.

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