What is a Paternity Test?

paternity test is a genetic test used to determine whether an alleged father is the biological father of a child. This test compares the DNA profiles of the child and the alleged father to establish a biological relationship. Paternity testing is commonly performed after the child is born, but it can also be conducted during pregnancy through non-invasive prenatal paternity testing, which poses no risk to the mother or unborn child.

Paternity tests are often sought for various reasons, including:

• Legal purposes: To establish or dispute paternity in cases of child custody, child support, and inheritance claims.
• Personal reasons: To confirm biological relationships for peace of mind or to clarify family connections.
• Vital records: To ensure accurate inclusion of the father’s name on the birth certificate and to secure related benefits.

When a paternity test is needed for legal purposes, a legal paternity test can be conducted. This type of test follows a strict chain of custody to ensure the results are admissible in court. Legal paternity test results can be used to support rights related to:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support obligations
• Birth certificate inclusion or correction
• Social security benefits
• Life insurance claims
• Military benefits
• Inheritance rights

The accuracy of paternity testing is extremely high, typically exceeding 99.9%, making it a reliable tool for determining biological relationships. Whether for legal matters or personal reassurance, a paternity test provides clear and definitive answers.