Atlanta DNA Paternity Testing
The law is specific in its treatment of establishing paternity in Atlanta and across Georgia. Unless a couple is married, it is essential for a man to prove his paternity in order to be able to assume certain rights and responsibilities in relation to the child. Instances may also arise in which the man seeks to disprove that he is the biological father of a child. In either of these circumstances, DNA paternity testing can prove to be a powerful tool.
When married couples in Atlanta and throughout Georgia have a child, the law presumes that the man is the baby’s biological father. The man automatically takes on all of the rights and responsibilities of that role. By the same token, the child is automatically enabled to benefit from the man’s insurance and his social security benefits. The child may also inherit an estate from the man.
The situation is less clear in the case of unwed parents. In these circumstances, the man must take steps to legally identify himself as the father. Without going through these steps, he will not receive visitation rights from the court, nor will he have any legal right to determine how the child is raised. The baby in this situation may not derive any financial benefit from the man’s insurance or social security payments.
Georgia law makes it possible for parents to voluntarily sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity, which is then recorded with the county or state. No DNA testing is required in this process as both the man and the woman are voluntarily declaring the baby’s paternity. The situation alters when the man suspects he may not be the baby’s biological father.
DNA paternity testing is the easiest, most definitive way to prove or disprove suspected paternity. The man may request paternity testing as soon as the eighth week of pregnancy. However, testing can also be conducted at any time thereafter, including after the birth. The outcome of the test will indicate whether or not the man should sign the Acknowledgement of Paternity and help to determine what kind of rights and responsibilities, if any, he will have toward the child.
In some circumstances, Georgia’s courts may order that a DNA paternity test be conducted. The judge may require this when the parents are unwed or when the father doubts that he is the biological father of the baby. Usually, these situations arise when the mother sues for child support or other assistance. Alternatively, an Atlanta DNA paternity test may be ordered when the man wants to prove his biological relationship to the child so that he can be involved in the baby’s life.
Atlanta DNA Paternity Testing – Where and How
Laboratories provide home test kits that parents can administer on themselves and on an infant. A cheek swab is the usual means of collecting a sample. Results from a home test are sufficient for private purposes. However, if the results will be used in conjunction with a court case, it’s essential to follow a strict chain-of-custody protocol.
In these situations, testing is typically conducted at the laboratory, with the collected samples being handled and tracked very carefully. The results may be sent directly to the court, ensuring that no one can tamper with them. These test results can be used in the court for all purposes including proving that the man owes child support or proving that he should not be held responsible for the child’s welfare.
DNA paternity testing is a quick and easy process that brings peace of mind to families in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. You can rely on bestpaternitytests.com to give you the information you need about Atlanta DNA paternity tests right when you need it.