Yes, You ARE The Father! 3 Ways To Establish Paternity

Do you suspect that you are the father of an ex-partner’s child, despite the fact that they continue to deny it?

Are you in need of an acknowledgment of paternity in order to get child support?

Maybe you suspect that your spouse cheated on you, and you have doubts about whether or not you’re truly the father of the child you’re currently raising.

Shockingly, nearly 1 in 25 dads aren’t actually the father of a child they believe is there own.

If you need proof of a father and child paternity connection, read on to learn three ways to make it happen.

1. Paternity During Pregnancy

You don’t have to go on a famous television show and hear, “You are not the father!” being read to a screaming audience to determine paternity.

In fact, sometimes you don’t even have to wait until you or your partner gives birth.

You can opt to have an amniocentesis paternity test instead.

In addition to testing for common genetic disorders, amniocentesis also uses fluid from the amniotic sac to prove paternity.

Though the procedure is slightly invasive and can only be performed at least 14 weeks into the pregnancy, the results are 99% accurate. The cells from the fetus are compared to the father’s DNA, and the process takes under an hour.

2. Standard Paternity Testing

The most common form of paternity testing happens after the birth of the child.

Here, either blood samples or cell samples from the inside of the father’s cheek are used as DNA evidence to determine paternity.

Usually, it takes about 1-2 business days for you to get the results back. If you don’t want to go to a doctor’s office, you can use home DNA paternity testing to achieve the same results.

If you need to prove paternity to receive child support, however, you’ll most likely be required to have a paternity test conducted in a medical environment.

3. Family DNA Testing

Unfortunately, some people just won’t believe you when you tell then, “You are the father” — even if you know it to be the absolute truth.

They may even refuse to take part in a typical DNA test.

The good news is that their refusal to cooperate doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

You can use DNA from their siblings to establish paternity. You may also be able to use DNA from the alleged father’s uncles, aunts, and grandparents to help you get answers.

This is also a good option if, sadly, the suspected father is now deceased.

What to Do If You Are the Father

Whichever method you used to establish paternity, the results have shown that you are the father of the child.

For most people, this is happy and welcome news. However, for others, it also means serious financial responsibilities — and a need to mend trust in a relationship.

Need advice on how to move forward and how to establish a healthy father and child relationship?

Our blog is here to help.

Keep reading our posts and bookmark our page to get more advice about life as a parent.