PATERNITY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. I am involved in a divorce and I do not think that the child born during the marriage is mine. Can I have blood testing done to determine paternity?

   Yes. In fact, if you go through the divorce and do not contest paternity and a final decree is entered, you will have waived your right to contest paternity because the Court order will contain a declaration that the child is a child of the marriage, your child and your wife's child.

   

2. How can I find out if a child is my child?

   By filing a petition for paternity and requesting that the Court order HLA or DNA testing of you, the child, and the mother.

   

3. What percentage of the population must be excluded from the possibility of being the father of the child?

   Ninety-nine (99%) of the population must be excluded or the Court shall permit the omission of any further testing if the testing has been conducted sufficiently to establish that an alleged father is not the father of the child.

   

4. How much will paternity testing costs?

   Depending on the type of testing and the facility, paternity testing can range from $215.00 per person upwards of $1000.00 per person.

   

5. How long does it take before I'll receive results?

   Anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, still depending on the type of testing performed and the facility.