How to request paternity

Paternity testing is a medical and legal procedure that enables a person to determine the biological father of a child. In most cases, paternity tests are conducted to establish legal rights, including custody, child support, and inheritance rights. If you require a paternity test, you must follow specific steps to request the test and ensure that it is done correctly. In this article, we will guide you on how to request paternity testing.

Step 1: Determine your motive

The first step to requesting a paternity test is determining why you require the test. Are you looking to establish legal rights as a father, or are you seeking to prove that someone is not the biological father of a child? This decision is crucial as it will help choose the type of test that you need to take, which we will discuss in the next step.

Step 2: Choose the type of test

There are various types of paternity tests, which includes; prenatal, postnatal, and home DNA testing. Each type of test has its advantages and disadvantages, and the most suitable option for you depends on your situation.

For example, if you are pregnant and want to determine the biological father of the child, you can opt for prenatal paternity testing. On the other hand, if the child is already born, postnatal testing is an option.

Home DNA testing, which is done at home, may be the most convenient option, but it’s not appropriate for legal purposes. Thus, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider or a paternity testing center to help you identify the type of test that suits you.

Step 3: Get consent

Once you have chosen the type of test you will take, you need to get consent from the involved parties. This includes the child, biological mother, and the alleged father. Depending on their age, the consent may vary. For minors, consent from the legal guardian is necessary.

However, in circumstances where one or more parties are unwilling to consent to the test, you may need to go through a legal process to obtain the necessary consent. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult an attorney to help you through the process.

Step 4: Select a reputable paternity testing facility

Once you have the consent of all parties involved, the next step is to find a reputable paternity testing facility that can provide you with the appropriate test. You can research online or ask for referrals from your healthcare provider, attorney, or family and friends.

It is crucial to choose a facility that adheres to the established guidelines, including following a strict chain of custody to ensure the accuracy of the results. Also, ensure that the facility is accredited and licensed to perform paternity testing in your state.

Step 5: Provide appropriate samples and wait for results

After selecting a facility, the next step is to provide samples for testing. Depending on the type of test selected, the samples may differ. For prenatal testing, samples may involve amniotic fluid or blood, whereas postnatal testing may require swabs from the alleged father, mother, and child’s mouth.

Home DNA testing typically involves a cheek swab from the cheek’s inside and is generally straightforward.

After providing samples, the facility will analyze them and provide you with the results. The time required for testing may differ depending on the type of test selected.

In conclusion, requesting paternity testing requires several steps, including determining your motive, selecting the type of test, getting consent, identifying a reputable facility, and providing samples. It’s essential to follow these steps to ensure that you get accurate results, which you can use for legal purposes if needed.