Paternity Testing 101

According to some estimates, unmarried women accounted for 36.8% of births in 2005. In cases where the father is unknown, a paternity test is an easy way to determine the identity of the child’s father. Figuring out who the true father of a child is can be important because of legal and social benefits and their repercussions. Paternity tests can aid a mother in finding out who the father of a child really is, help a man to determine if a child is truly his, and assist a child in discovering what his or her medical history might be.

Prenatal Testing

Paternity tests are done by comparing the DNA of the child to the DNA of the father. The prenatal tests include:

• Amniocentesis, where a needle is inserted into the uterus and withdraws some amniotic fluid
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), where a needle or tube is inserted to collect chorionic villi, which line the wall of the uterus

Postnatal Testing

In addition to prenatal tests, which can offer some risks, some prospective parents might choose to employ postnatal methods of acquiring DNA. These after-birth tests can utilize the following:

• Blood sample
• Buccal (Cheek) swab
• Umbilical cord testing
• Any other substance that contains DNA, such as tissue samples

Contact Us

If you or someone you know is unsure of paternity, or if you have any other questions regarding legal paternity, please contact the Orlando family law attorneys of the Schlegel Law Group at 407-648-0280.