Women always know that the baby they are carrying belongs to them, but sometimes men question whether a child their wife or girlfriend is having is their own. Fortunately, modern technology has made it easier than ever to determine paternity. Fathers no longer have to rely on physical traits or questionable blood type rules to determine if they share DNA with a baby. Having a simple test, even before the baby is born, can eliminate questions and help a family move forward.
DNA Testing
Years ago, DNA testing was done by testing the blood of the mother, potential father, and the baby. It took weeks for the results to be returned and the family was left waiting and wondering. Today, testing is typically done by swabbing cells from the inside of each of the parents’ and the child’s cheeks. The results can be processed much more quickly, and a potential father will know right away when a child is his. A family lawyer in Winnebago County, IL may be able to expedite the process.
Paternal Rights
Fathers have the same rights as mothers. Unfortunately, unless both parents agree that the man is the father, it could be difficult for him to assert his rights. Paternity testing is the first step in helping a father establish a relationship with his child. Whether he’s been there from the beginning or he didn’t find out about the child until he or she was in school, fathers have rights to parenting time and even joint or full custody. After establishing paternity, a father can seek the help of a family lawyer in Winnebago County, IL to him assert his rights.
Child Support
With these rights come responsibilities. Fathers, as well as mothers, are responsible for financially supporting their children. This could be done through an informal agreement between the parents or a formal court order. Financial support from both parents is essential to helping a child live the best life possible. Fathers can find more information with the formula used by the state to calculate child support by talking to an experienced attorney.
Through DNA testing, men can discover whether a child actually belongs to them and get started on the path to establishing a relationship with the child, asserting their parental rights and providing financial support.
