How to prove he is the father
So you have questions about a child’s paternity. You’re asking yourself, “Who is the real father?” or “How can I get child support for my baby?” Or maybe you’re on the other side of this situation, asking yourself, “Is this really my child?” Whether you’re trying to prove who the father of your child is or trying to prove that you’re not the father, you deserve clear, fast answers that you can rely on. The only sure way to get those answers is through a paternity test in Jackson, MS. Keep reading to learn how you can get a paternity test, and how they prove who the father of a child is.
What Does It Mean to Prove Paternity?
When we talk about proving someone is the father of a child, what we’re really talking about is biology: does the man share DNA with the child or not? A paternity test looks at DNA from the child and the man to see if they match. DNA is like a biological fingerprint. It’s inside every cell in your body. Every child gets half their DNA from their mother and half from their father. A paternity test checks the DNA from the child and compares it to the man you think might be the father (or to you, if you’re trying to prove or disprove that you’re the father).
Why Do People Get Paternity Tests?
There are a lot of reasons someone might want answers about a baby’s paternity:
- To know who the real father is
- To get child support payments
- To avoid paying support if you’re not the father
- To stop guessing and get real answers
Some people think that placing a person’s name on the baby’s birth certificate is enough to show that they are the father, but that’s not true. The only thing that proves a biological connection, leaving no room for further doubt, is a DNA test.
Non-Legal (Peace of Mind) vs. Legal Paternity Tests
There are 2 main kinds of paternity tests: non-legal, and legal tests. Non-legal tests allow you to take cheek swabs from the child and the man involved, and send them to the lab. The lab tells you either yes, there is a very high chance he’s the father, or no, he’s definitely not the father. These tests are usually faster and cheaper, but they might not be accepted in court for child support and other legal issues. It’s important to remember this if you’re hoping to use the DNA test for any legal reasons, and not just for your own information.
The second type, a legal paternity test, gives you the same answers but follows a strict legal process. This includes verifying the man’s identity, photographs of the father and child, and following strict rules for handling the DNA samples using a chain of custody. These results can be used in court for matters such as child support orders, custody cases, changing a birth certificate, and other legal matters. These tests are always performed in a lab setting, and samples are collected by a professional.
How the Test Works
Most paternity tests are simple and painless. Here’s what you can expect when you’re getting one:
- A small swab, similar to a long Q-tip, is rubbed inside the cheek of the child.
- The same is done for the man who might be the father.
- Sometimes the mom provides a sample, which helps make the results more accurate.
- The lab compares the DNA from the samples to find matches.
The process usually takes less than a minute and doesn’t hurt. Results are usually provided within a matter of days.
Understanding the Results
When you get the results, they usually give you a probability of paternity. It’s either 0%, meaning he is not the father, or 99.9%, meaning it’s very likely he is the father. Obviously, that is less than 100%, but that doesn’t mean there’s any real chance the person isn’t the father; that extra 0.1% accounts for biological twin fathers. So, you can take 99.9% to be a very definitive “yes.”
What If He Won’t Take the Test?
If you suspect a man of being your baby’s father but he refuses to take a paternity test, there are a few things you can do. Your best bet is to go through the court. The court can issue an order for him to take the test, and if he still refuses, he can face serious legal consequences. If the man you suspect of being your baby’s father denies it, won’t pay child support, and won’t take a DNA test, always take the issue to court. This will give you the best path to getting the answers you need. We do have alternate procedures for various “other” collection methods.
How Much Does a Test Cost?
Mobile Drug Screen, Inc. has the best prices in Mississippi. Non-legal for one child, one father is $140. Our legal tests are just $180 and are an indisputable proof of paternity. There are also prenatal DNA tests (tests that can be done before a baby is born), which come at a higher cost due to their complexity. Rest assured, there are ways to pay for the paternity test that you need, so be sure to ask about payment plans.
Where to Go from Here
If you want real answers, not guesses, accusations, denials, and drama, an affordable paternity test in Jackson, MS, is the way to go. A test removes doubt, gives peace of mind, and provides proof of paternity for any legal issues you might be working through. If you are in the Jackson, MS, area and want to know how to prove he is the father, reach out to Mobile Drug Screen for your answers! We offer affordable paternity testing, fast and accurate results, and even DNA testing options before the baby is born. Contact us today to learn more about scheduling your paternity test.