Uses of DNA Testing in Child Support Cases
Several methods are commonly used for establishing paternity in child support cases. At the birth of the child, the father can sign
a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity , regardless of his biological relationship to the child.
If this acknowledgement is not signed, or if the acknowledgement is later disputed, the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) agencies may require a DNA test to scientifically
establish the relationship between an alleged parent and a child.
DNA testing may also be requested if the mother is unsure about which of several men is the father. In this case, CSE would use
DNA testing to establish paternity for one man and disestablish the paternity of the other potential fathers.
The grandparents of a child may need to undergo DNA testing as well. DNA testing of grandparents is useful for child support cases if
the child's father is missing and he needs to be identified to establish paternity. A missing father's paternity can be verified based on
DNA testing of two grandparents, the parents of the missing father.
Also, in some states, when minor parents have a child, their parents (the child's grandparents) are financially and legally
responsible for the child until the parents reach the age of majority. In these cases, the grandparents may need to be identified through DNA testing if their biological relationship is contested.
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