DNA Testing For Paternity: How It Works And Legal Implications

In this article, you can discover…

• How DNA testing and genetics relate to paternity.
• How a father can legally request a DNA test.
• What happens when assumed paternity is proven incorrect.

What Is DNA Testing And How Does It Relate To Paternity?

DNA testing establishes a close genetic relationship by comparing genetic information from different individuals. The DNA of immediate family (such as biological children, full siblings, and parents) will closely match one another. The DNA of people who are not closely related, however, will be noticeably different.

Getting a DNA test will involve making an appointment at a testing facility and having the inside of your cheek swabbed. This releases cheek tissue cells, enough to extract genetic information and compare this to your child. 

This swabbing process would be repeated separately with your child and their mother to compare and establish paternity. All three swab samples are then tested to map and compare DNA patterns and determine if you are the child’s biological father. 

Can I, As A Father, Request A DNA Paternity Test Through The Court?

Yes, if the mother of your child is refusing to allow the child to be genetically tested, you can bring an action to establish paternity. This requires the child’s mother to take the test and make the child available for a DNA testing appointment and ensure the child reaches that appointment and is swabbed. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Results From A DNA Paternity Test?

DNA testing results in Minnesota are typically back pretty quickly. 

Attorney Kathleen Gomez is a dedicated lawyer based in Minnesota. With her unique background in policing as well as law, she’s helped clients just like you navigate family law and secure DNA tests during sensitive paternity disputes.

Have questions about DNA testing and your rights as a potential father?
Reach out to Gomez Law PLLC at (763) 284-5552 today.

What Happens If The DNA Test Results Are Disputed?

Most positive tests come back with a 99.99% chance of paternity. Negative tests will be abundantly clear that the genetic information is different enough to verify no immediate relationship and no possible paternity. 

If you would still like to contest DNA results, the results can be contested in court and examined legally before a judge. 

In very rare cases, genetic information between yourself and the real biological father can be similar enough to cause a dispute, e.g., if you are brothers. In instances like these, legal court action is a possibility and experts on genetic testing could be called to testify on paternity and the results of your DNA test. 

What Happens If The DNA Test Shows I Am Not The Biological Father?

This generally depends upon the situation and how you wish to approach a relationship with the child and their mother. Some men choose to remain in a child’s life and provide emotional and financial support even after it’s made clear they are not the father. 

In other situations, the actual biological father brings an action to prove paternity and petitions to have a place in the child’s life. 

It’s especially important that you establish contested paternity before signing any recognition of parentage forms. An attentive family law attorney can help you understand your legal options and rights after your non-paternity of a child has been established. 

What Are Some Unique Paternity Cases This Law Firm Has Encountered?

In one instance, a man had chosen to sign a recognition of parentage document even though he strongly suspected that he wasn’t the father. By the time he contacted our law firm, the period in which he could have revoked that recognition had passed. Unfortunately, the man was then legally obligated to continue child support in spite of not being the child’s biological parent. 

In another instance, the man thought to be the child’s father was pressured by the mother to spend large amounts of money on a nursery and baby preparations. Once the baby was born, he requested a DNA test through our law firm. As it turned out, he was not the father and was able to legally walk away without further financial responsibilities.

Whatever sort of paternity questions you may have, it’s important not to make major decisions without sound legal advice, a paternity test, and an honest conversation with a well-versed family law attorney. 

For more information on DNA Testing For Paternity In Minnesota, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (763) 284-5552 today.