A man or woman may request a paternity test to determine who is the biological father to the child. Upon determining who the biological father is, you can request child support and/or child visitation.
If you are not married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, you do not have legal claim to the child. That’s why it’s imperative to determine if you are the father or who the father is as soon as possible. Discover the answers to a few frequently asked questions about paternity tests in Georgia:
What is the paternity test procedure like?
Paternity test results are determined by taking DNA samples from both the man and the child. The most common types of paternity tests use a blood sample or cheek swab sample. There is not a paternity test that is more accurate than the other, as DNA is the same throughout the entire body.
During a blood sample, the technician will take blood from the arm. However, many labs recommend blood tests be given to children who are over 6 months old. During a cheek (Buccal) swab, a swab is brushed strongly against the inside of the man’s cheek and the child’s cheek. Children of any age can participate in the cheek swab testing.
Can the paternity test results be inconclusive?
First, it’s important to note that the paternity test needs to be taken at an accredited facility to be admissible in court.
According to the Superior Court of Fulton County, “As long as you take the Paternity Test in a laboratory that is nationally accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), College of American Pathologists (CAP), American Society of Histology (ASH), and any other facility that has a state license.”
Paternity tests taken at approved facilities will produce results that are either 0% or >99% proof of the man and child having a biological connection. If the result is 99.0% or greater, the court accepts this as proof of paternity.
When will I receive the paternity test results?
Unless specifically instructed to produce results within 48 – 72 hours (with an additional fee), most results are given to the requesting party within 8 – 10 business days after being delivered to the lab.
Our Family Attorneys Can Guide You Through the Paternity & Legitimation Process
If your paternity test results show that you are indeed the father, it’s important to pursue legal action to establish paternity and seek legitimation. This safeguards your relationship with your child via legal means, and you’re not at the mercy of the child’s mother to see or not see your child. If you have questions about the paternity process, call us: 770-225-7000.