If there is any question of your child’s parentage, it’s a good idea to look into seeking a DNA test to prove paternity. For single fathers who want to have proof, a DNA test cannot be beat, because it shows an undeniable genetic connection between the parent and child.
DNA testing is simple, but you may need to seek a court order if the mother of the child refuses the test. The same may happen if the alleged father refuses to take the DNA test willingly.
Establishing a DNA bond is simple with today’s technology
Today, proving paternity is as simple as taking a DNA test. DNA is highly accurate, with rates between 90% and 99%. There are some situations where there could be inaccuracies, but they are so rare that the majority of DNA tests are taken as fact.
DNA tests are used to show when a man is definitely not the biological father and can show the likelihood that he is the parent if he can’t be excluded.
If paternity is contested, then it is likely that a DNA test will be ordered. If there are several men who could be the father of the child, then their DNA will be compared to the DNA of the child.
How does a DNA test work?
DNA tests look at DNA probes collected from the subjects. The DNA patterns on the probes must match two or more times. If they do not, then the man is not the father of the child. If the patterns between the suspected father, mother and child all match on each DNA probe, then it can be assumed that he is the father up to a 99.9% certainty.
A DNA test is easy to take. To gather DNA, a blood test called the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism may be used. There are other procedures that might be tried including the Buccal scrape. The Buccal scrape takes a swab of the inside of the cheek, which collects cells. It’s also possible to gather DNA from an umbilical cord blood specimen at the time of the child’s birth.
There doesn’t need to be a question of paternity in your life. If you believe you’re the father of a child, you can seek a DNA test and confirm those beliefs or find out that you are definitely not the father. Your attorney will help you seek a DNA test, so that you can resolve your concerns.
