How Do Genetic Paternity Tests Work? Naples Child Custody Attorney Explains
Genetic paternity tests help identify the biological father of a child. In most cases, the biological father is also the legal father of the child.
As the Florida Department of Revenue explains, being a child’s legal father comes with certain rights including:
- Accessing data about the family’s medical history;
- Putting the father’s name on the child’s birth certificate;
- Filing for a court order for child support;
- Filing for a court order for custody or visitation;
- And making important decisions for the child.
The child also has certain rights from the legal father, which may include:
- Life or health insurance;
- Medical or child support;
- And military allowances, inheritances, veteran’s benefits, or Social Security benefits.
One common way to establish legal paternity is by performing a genetic paternity test. This compares the DNA of the child to that of the father and mother.
If you are having a paternity dispute in Florida, contact The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Mr. Raheb is a Naples child custody lawyer who can answer your questions and provide legal advice.
Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit http://divorce.usattorneys.com/ to learn more about divorce laws.
Who Is the Legal Father of a Child?
If a child is born to married parents, the husband is the presumed legal father. However, if the mother is not married and there is no presumed legal father, a genetic paternity test may be necessary to identify the legal father.
How Does the Genetic Paternity Test Work?
Because DNA exists in all cells, the test does not require injections or blood. Rather, a swab will be taken of skin cells from the cheek. The process involves:
- The mother, child and alleged father schedule a genetic test.
- All parties must bring picture identification. The Social Security card or birth certificate will suffice for the child.
- The facility will take a photo of each person.
- The mother and alleged father will use a cotton swab to get skins cells from inside the cheek. The person who takes the child to the appointment will swab the inside of his or her mouth.
- The facility will seal and ship the DNA samples to a genetic testing lab.
- The lab compares the cells of the alleged father, child and mother.
- The lab sends the final results to the initial facility in about three weeks after the initial appointment.
- The mother and the alleged father receive the results via mail.
If the father or your child is denying paternity, then you can file for a court ordered paternity test. The legal father may be responsible for paying child support, health or medical insurance, and other costs related to raising the child.
A Naples child custody attorney from The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. can represent your interests. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 866-949-0888.
