When paternity is unclear, DNA testing is often used in order to clear up any confusion. DNA testing can be done through either the collection of tissue or fluid samples. For the potential father, samples may be taken via a blood draw or by having the inside of the cheek swabbed. In order to test children, fluid or tissue samples can be taken in the same manner after birth, or fluids can be collected while a baby is still in utero.

For those looking to seek custody or support orders, DNA testing must be court ordered and performed at an approved facility. After collection, samples will then be processed which can take anywhere from five days to one month, depending on the type of sample collected. If matching DNA is not found, the supposed father will not be held liable for providing for the child. However, if there is a match, the mother will be given the opportunity to seek monetary support and the father may have the right seek custody or visitation.

It is believed that paternity testing is extremely accurate, and the process of completing DNA testing is really pretty simple, with few risks involved. While paternity testing can be fairly expensive, for those parents in Kentucky seeking support, custody or visitation the cost may seem minor compared to all that may be lost by failing to establish paternity. With legal assistance mothers and/or potential fathers may seek to obtain court orders for DNA testing and, if parentage is successfully established, further help may be sought in the effort to resolve any child support and/or custody concerns.

Source: americanpregnancy.org, “Paternity Testing“, Accessed on Sept. 21, 2016