Questions About Paternity Testing

Does the mother have to be involved in the paternity test?

It is possible to conduct a paternity test without the participation of the child's mother. However, when the mother is involved it makes the testing process much easier. It should be mentioned that some courts require the mother's consent and participation during the testing.

What if the father is dead or missing? Can a test still be done?

Yes testing can still be done even if the father is dead or nowhere to be found. It's possible to conduct a test with samples of the man's hair, body tissue, or blood. If these samples are not available, the man's parents (the child's grandparents) or the man's siblings can be tested to determine paternity.

Is it possible to conduct a paternity test before the baby is born?

As long as the mother is between 10 and 24 weeks pregnant, a DNA sample can be taken from the fetus by chorionic villi sampling or through amniocentesis. The paternity will then be determined through a prenatal paternity test. It is very important, however, that DNA samples are not taken after 24 weeks. If it's already been 24 weeks, then the paternity test must be pushed until after the baby is born. It is also important for the mother to discuss the potential medical risks associated with prenatal paternity testing before any DNA samples are taken.

If you have any additional questions about paternity or paternity testing, do not hesitate to contact a Long Island family law attorney at Meyers Law Group. We would be more than happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with any additional advice and guidance needed. Contact the office today by calling (631) 784-7722!