Imagine this: A divorced couple has been separated for over a year. The ex-wife recently gave birth to a baby girl, and though they’ve discussed reconciling, her former spouse has suspected for a while the child might not be his. As a result, this new issue of paternity has caused rising tensions between them. Both agree to a DNA test to settle the matter, but will it?
In a word—yes. While many ways exist to establish a father-child relationship, it can be argued that most of them are flawed. Meanwhile, DNA testing provides near-perfect scientific evidence and a litany of other benefits.
Let’s talk more about DNA testing in today’s blog post.
Why DNA Testing?
Before DNA testing was available, family law decisions over child support, child custody, and parental rights were determined by various methods that were less reliable and often more subjective. For instance, a court could use blood type analysis to exclude potential fathers. If the child was born during the marriage, there was often a presumption that the husband was the true father. Courts could also turn to factors such as physical resemblance and persuasive legal representation.
With the advent of DNA testing, arguments over the biological relationship of two people are practically a thing of the past. Paternity can now be confirmed or refuted with a 99.999% accuracy rate.
So, in the situation above, if the DNA test confirms that he is the father, very little can refute such evidence.
The same is true if the test confirms he’s not the father.
Benefits of DNA Testing
- Clarity in custody and child support cases
- Ensures financial responsibility for the correct parent
- More informed decisions can be made on custody and visitation
- Provides emotional closure for everyone involved
Paternity issues can arise in any family law matter and impact every decision that comes next in terms of the best interests of the child. Having the right legal team in your corner is essential in these situations. Christman | Daniell Attorneys can help you understand and protect your rights in these and other family law issues.
Please Call Christman | Daniell for Your Legal Needs Today!
Are you looking for family law services in Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs throughout Collin County.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your circumstances.
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