Paternity Testing Services
Reasons for Paternity Testing
Though most paternity tests are given to establish fatherhood for the purposes of financial support through the courts, there are a number of reasons that a paternity test may be taken. In this article we'll examine some of the more common reasons a person may choose to undertake a paternity test.
The most common reason a paternity test is given is to establish the true identify of the biological father of a child. This can be done in order to get financial support for the child's well being from the father as ordered by a court. Often this type of paternity test is done without the cooperation of the father and must be mandated by the court system itself. It is most often performed at local testing labs under controlled sample collection of samples for DNA analysis from both the father and the child.
Another reason paternity testing might be done is because a man suspects he is the father of a child and wants confirmation. Often the alleged father will do this because of emotional concerns over the child's well being or in cases where the biological mother will not let him see the child. By obtaining a paternity test he can prove that he is the father and can get underway, something with the help of the mother, sometimes without, in establishing a family and fulfilling his role as the father to the child.
One of the less common reasons a paternity test might be taken is that an adult may wish to find out who his or her true father is. This is not done for financial reasons but out of curiosity and the need to close an emotional void the person may have. In such situations the tests are usually voluntary and carried out independent of any court of law. Many times the person may suspect that a person is his or her true father but wants to prove it. They may do this with or without the knowledge of the suspected father. Thanks to how DNA is analyzed, even a small sample of biological material that can be found in a number of sources – even a drinking cup – can be used.
DNA tests for paternity may be performed after the death of the father in order to establish paternity for inheritance reasons. DNA can be collected from the deceased through bone fragments, hair samples or it may have been part of a routine autopsy in which a sample of blood was taken and DNA analysis has been performed. Often these situations are rare but in the case of estranged relationships between the father and the biological mother it may be necessary in order for a child to receive his true inheritance.
A final reason that paternity testing may be performed is the mother may be curious who the biological father is, but does not expect financial or other support from the suspected father. Often this is done through at-home tests with the cooperation of the suspected father. This may be called a “curiosity” test by some but it provides a definitive answer one way or the other.