Establishing Paternity

Modern science has given us several ways to determine the paternity of a child; i.e., who the father of a child is. While the identity of a child’s mother is generally easy to determine, the identity of a child’s father is often far more difficult – and not just because of technical or scientific factors. In a society where multiple sexual partners are not uncommon, it is often impossible to determine the true biological father of a child without the use of scientific techniques. The financial and social burden placed on biological parents also makes many men reluctant to admit to fathering a child without conclusive scientific proof.

Blood Testing

Blood tests are a simple form of paternity testing which are more able to eliminate possible paternal candidates than identify the true father. It operates on the premise that a child’s blood type is dependent on the blood types of his or her parents, of which only limited combinations are possible. A man with AB-type blood, for example, could not father a child with O-type blood; he simply does not have an O-type allele to pass on.

DNA Testing

Deoxyribose nucleic acid, better known as DNA, is the code which contains all information about an individual’s biological identity. As far as science can determine, the DNA of each person is completely unique – and is inherited in certain ways from one’s parents. By matching the DNA characteristics of a child to the DNA characteristics of a potential father, science can conclusively determine whether that man truly is the biological parent of the child. DNA tests are generally time-consuming, and must be done at specialized laboratories.

Austin paternity tests lawyers Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP can assist you with all matters relating to family law. Contact them today at 512-472-2431.