As previously discussed, some Illinois parents have to deal with paternity issues. This family law problem could arise for various reasons, but the underlying question that is being asked when paternity is at issue is whether a man is or is not the biological father of a child. Proving or disproving paternity could help a man obtain a relationship with their child, help a man terminate child support obligations or help a mother secure child support.

In order to establish paternity, a paternity test must be conducted. This is test that uses the DNA of a child and the presumed father. This methodology evaluates the DNA samples collected, determining whether the individuals are biologically related as parent and child. A paternity DNA test thereby determines if a man is the father of a child.

When seeking to establish paternity, DNA testing is the most commonly used technology or methodology for ascertaining parentage. In addition to establishing whether a man is a father or not, there are several other benefits for securing the results of a paternity test. It could help establish medical history and establish inheritance, legal or social allotments.

Paternity tests can be conducted at two different points. This includes prenatal and postnatal paternity testing. While prenatal testing is conducted while the mother is currently pregnant, postnatal paternity testing occurs after the birth of a baby. A postnatal paternity test, which is the most common course to take, is performed by obtaining a blood sample or a buccal swab of the presumed father. In conjunction, an umbilical cord blood sample at birth or a blood or buccal sample of the infant after birth.

While paternity DNA testing is not 100 percent, it is a reliable and frequently used method to establish paternity. If you seek to use this process to prove and protect your fathers’ rights, it is important to understand what the process entails and how you can get through each step efficiently.

Source: Foxnews.com, “Who’s your daddy? Non-invasive paternity tests,” Dr. Kecia Gaither, May 1, 2017