Paternity may be determined with a DNA test, an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, the actions of the father or a court order that establishes the legal father of the child.
DNA testing is performed with a blood test, by swabbing the inside of ones mouth and other means.
An Acknowledgment of Paternity form may be provided at the time of birth at the hospital. After leaving the hospital an Acknowledgment of Paternity form can be obtained from a county assistance office, a domestic relations office or by contacting the department of public welfare, bureau of child support enforcement, or a paternity coordinator. The form must include the signed consent of both the birth mother and father, and must be witnessed by someone other than the birth parents.
If the birth mother refuses to sign an acknowledgment and the father wants parental rights, he may go to the domestic relations office to request a DNA test.
Once paternity is acknowledged it is harder to challenge later. If it is uncertain who is the father is, it is best to request a DNA test prior to any type of acknowledgment of paternity.
Under the current law, when a child is born to a married woman the husband is presumed to be the legal father.
If you have questions about a possible paternity issue, contact Margeruite Nealon. She can help you. Call one of our three Pennsylvania offices or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
