When is a DNA Test Needed?
Parents who have never been married typically want to establish paternity if they separate. It provides the mother with the ability to receive child support from the father, and it provides the father with the ability to pursue shared child custody or visitation rights. With parental rights come parental responsibilities.
DNA testing has been very well established as a reliable means to determine paternity. Contact our law office for help with paternity determinations.
Giustino Capodilupo is a family law attorney with significant experience in all family law matters including paternity determinations, same sex relationships and child custody disputes.
DNA testing for a paternity determination is conducted for two basic reasons:
- To prove that you are not the father
- To prove that you are the father
On the surface, that seems like a simple determination, but quite often it becomes more complicated. A Connecticut father's rights attorney may be needed to guarantee access to children.
Ridgefield Paternity Lawyer Working for Mothers or Fathers
A few short scenarios may demonstrate how paternity issues can become complicated.
- A woman becomes pregnant during a courtship and a child is born shortly after their marriage. The couple raises the child jointly and then divorce six years later. The ex-husband may have a paternity test to determine if the child he raised as his, is actually his. What rights will he have if the child is not his biological offspring?
- A man is notified that a 22 year old child is his biological child. A paternity test reveals the child to be his. Does he have any rights or responsibilities?
- A man is notified that a 10 year old child is his when the mother attempts to collect child support. A paternity test proves that he is the child's father. Does he owe child support? If so, how much and when?
- A man and woman are married with three children. A paternity test during the divorce process determines that the youngest child is not his biological child. What are his rights and responsibilities to the youngest of the three siblings?
The answers to these scenarios vary. Giustino Capodilupo is an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process of pursuing your paternity goals.
Strong Advocacy for Your Legal Needs
If you have a paternity question, whether married, divorced or unmarried, please call our law office at 866-644-3769, 203-493-0503 or send us an e-mail. Giustino Capodilupo works diligently to solve all legal issues regarding paternity.
