Paternity Testing

Paternity tests are used to determine the identity of a child's biological father and are typically 99.99% reliable. Due to the high degree of reliability, test results serve as a legally admissible determination that the man tested is or is not the child's father.

There are several reasons to seek a paternity test. The results can provide simple peace of mind, or supply the foundation for seeking parental rights and responsibilities, child support, or emotional support through shared parenting. Recent technological advances have made paternity testing much more accessible, and as a result, many men are being requested to submit to paternity testing in connection to legal action involving children. If administered by a respected facility using proven methods, the results of the test are difficult to undermine and are typically admissible in Court.

Often referred to DNA testing because it is an examination of the DNA for common patterns between child and alleged parent, paternity testing is a simple and painless procedure. A common misperception is that paternity testing is accomplished by taking blood from both parents. However, since every cell in the body has the same DNA, testing samples can be taken from anywhere on or in the body with equally reliable results. A very common method for collecting DNA samples is by using a special (buccal) swab to collect a sample from the inside of a person's cheek. Samples can also be taken from umbilical cord blood.

Typically, DNA samples are taken from the child, the mother, and the alleged father, even if they live in different states. Means of obtaining testing results are equally reliable if either the mother or father are unavailable for testing, or are no longer living. The complexity of the process and type of analysis necessary depends on who is available and samples can even be taken from extended family members.

While the costs of paternity testing vary depending on what company you choose, and what type of testing is necessary, tests can usually be administered for under $500.00, and even less if you are not seeking Court-admissible results. Given the tremendous benefits that the results can yield (a protected relationship with your child, financial support for your child), the cost of a paternity test may seem inconsequential in comparison.

If you would like to learn more about paternity testing, please call Harris Family Law at 303 299-9484. We will be happy to meet with you to further explore how paternity testing can protect you and/or your child.