Couples end up in a Chapel Hill divorce lawyer’s office for many reasons. In some cases, fathers are unsure whether the children involved are biologically theirs—and a paternity test can settle the matter once and for all. Paternity tests using DNA samples from the alleged father and the child can be up to 99 percent accurate, so in most instances, the tests are a reliable measure of a child’s relation to their parent.
Before you request a paternity test, consider the facts: asking for one for the wrong reasons might be a decision you later regret; they aren’t cheap; and the results can cause unintended emotional consequences.
Why Do You Want a Paternity Test?
Sit down and talk to your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer to determine whether a paternity test is necessary in your case. Your attorney might advise you to get one if you sincerely doubt whether a child is biologically yours and child support is on the line. However, if you’re simply trying to cast your ex in a negative light, your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer might suggest that you skip it and worry about other things.
Paternity Tests and the Courts
Before you purchase an over-the-counter paternity test, talk to your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer. Your attorney will be able to tell you whether the results will hold up under the court’s scrutiny.
Over-the-counter tests are easy to manipulate, so they might not be legally binding.
DNA samples taken by a physician are generally sufficient for the court. However, those tests cost quite a bit more than their over-the-counter counterparts. You may be responsible for bearing the entire cost, so check with your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer about whether you really need to subject yourself—and your child—to a paternity test.
The Emotional Consequences
If you subject your child to a paternity test, particularly if he or she is old enough to understand that you’re questioning your ex’s fidelity, you’ll have to deal with the aftermath. Some psychologists suggest that disrupting the bond that develops as a father-child relationship is unhealthy, regardless of who the biological father really is.
Talk to your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer before you decide to ask your ex for a paternity test. Your attorney can provide you with advice that’s perfectly tailored to your unique situation.
