Momma’s Baby, Papa’s maybe: Demand Genetic (DNA) Testing

Family law includes determining whether there is a family.  Genetic DNA testing can settle paternity questions, forever. When faced with a paternity action, or an original child support case, the smart move is to require genetic DNA testing. If you do not, the only thing remaining in a Child Support case is to determine your child support. Other legal issues are impacted, but are not the subject of this post.

More times than I can count, men have reached out to me after being served with paternity or original child support paperwork, and only have one real question. How can they be assured that they do not pay more child support than necessary? The answer to this question is to first be scientifically sure that you are the biological father, through Genetic DNA testing. If you are not, and you pay a dime, you have paid more than is necessary. All too often, these men have already mentally accepted that the child belongs to them, and they will be required to pay. I must ask myself, why is any guy so eager to accept responsibility for a child, with nothing more than the mother’s assurance that the child is his. My reason for this question is because if the relationship did not work, did you really know the mother as well as you thought you did.

From experience, relying on the word of a former spouse, regarding a scientifically provable fact, is a costly gamble. Without Genetic DNA testing, it is impossible to know the truth. While editing this post, I can imagine people will be telling themselves, I know this is my kid. He/she looks just like me. I know my ex was faithful. She wouldn’t cheat on me. My response must be, “really. You know? I bet at one time you knew that she was the one for you, and the two of you would be together forever, because what you had is true love, didn’t you?”

All it takes to obtain a court ordered Genetic DNA test, is the making of a request, at the appropriate time. Different studies show that between 16 and 30% of the time, men who request Genetic DNA testing are excluded as fathers. While it is possible, in some cases and under specific facts, to later challenge a finding of paternity, proving that you are not the father, all previously accrued child support remains. All too often, the later excluded party will owe thousands in child support arrearages. Payment on these arrearages can continue into retirement. Don’t let your ex decide whether you are a father; require scientific proof before obligating yourself to pay child support.