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Bucks County Divorce Attorneys > Blog > Family Law > When Are DNA Tests Necessary in Family Law Cases?

When Are DNA Tests Necessary in Family Law Cases?

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DNA testing is a scientific tool used to establish legal rights, particularly when it comes to family law disputes. Whether you’re navigating a custody battle, seeking child support, or wanting to solidify your parental rights, DNA testing may be part of the process. A Bucks County family attorney has the skills to guide clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey through these situations, helping them understand when DNA testing is necessary and how it can impact their case.

Common Situations Requiring DNA Testing

Testing a person’s DNA is straightforward. It typically involves a painless cheek swab. Accredited labs analyze the samples to determine parentage with, in most cases, an accuracy rate of over 99%. Courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey recognize the results as reliable evidence, which could be used in one or more of the following ways.

  • Establishing paternity. One of the most common uses of DNA testing in family law is to determine paternity. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, if a child’s parents are unmarried, paternity must be legally established before a father can seek custody or visitation rights. Paternity also needs to be in place before a mother can request child support. DNA tests provide definitive proof of biological parentage, ensuring that the child’s legal and financial needs are met.
  • Disputing paternity. Sometimes, a man may be incorrectly named as a child’s father. In these cases, DNA testing can provide clarity and prevent someone from being unjustly held responsible for child support or other parental obligations.
  • Adoption cases. In cases involving contested adoptions, DNA testing can verify biological relationships to determine whether a parent has the right to challenge the adoption process.
  • Immigration cases. DNA testing can also come into play in family-based immigration cases where biological relationships need to be proven to satisfy legal requirements.
  • Inheritance disputes. If a family member’s biological relationship to an estate or inheritance is in question, DNA testing can provide the evidence needed to resolve disputes.

If you are wondering how DNA testing works, in most situations a court order or a request from a party involved in the case will initiate the DNA testing process. A lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork and ensure the testing complies with legal requirements.

 A Lawyer Can Advocate for Your Rights

Whether you’re seeking to establish or dispute paternity, a lawyer can help you present your case effectively and assist you in moving through court procedures. Your lawyer will ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met.

The reality is that family law matters are often deeply personal. Connecting with a compassionate Bucks County family attorney early in the process is a way to access the personal support you need while legally protecting your interests.

Are you curious about DNA testing? When facing a family law issue that may require DNA testing, don’t go through it alone. The legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. has the skills to ensure that your rights, and those of your family, are protected. Call 215-968-6602.

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