Who Pays for a DNA Test for Child Support?

Single parents! You are doing an incredible job because raising a child alone is not easy. However, establishing paternity will help you get the financial stability that your little one deserves. When it comes to getting child support, DNA Test is the only powerful way to determine paternity.

In the U.S., it is a legal duty for all parents to support their children financially. Whether you are a father confirming paternity or a mother trying to secure your child’s future, get a DNA Test for child support. Now, the main concern of every parent is “Who pays for the DNA Test?” Let’s understand who pays for the test, legal responsibilities, and other options.

Table of Contents

Why is a DNA Test needed for Child Support?

Before breaking down who pays for the test, it’s important to understand why a DNA Test is needed. A legal DNA Test for child support is required in the following situations:

Disputed marriage – If the couple is married, the state will assume that the husband is the father. When the mother seeks child support, she does not need any proof of paternity. On the contrary, if the couple is not married, the mother will not get child support until she proves he is the father. In such cases, DNA Testing is the only option to confirm paternity.
Disputed Paternity – When the father refuses to take parental responsibilities in disputed marriages.
Legal demands – In child custody cases, when the court demands genetic evidence of paternity.
Father’s confirmation – Before taking on legal child support obligations, the father may demand a legal DNA paternity test.

This will help find the right person to hold responsible for child support.

Who is responsible for Paying for a DNA Test?

This depends on various circumstances:

Voluntary Paternity Test

When a couple agrees to undergo a DNA Test without involving any legal authority, they both share the cost. Alternatively, one can bear all the costs voluntarily.

Court-ordered DNA Test

The state pays for a DNA test when the court demands a legal DNA test. However, it also depends on state laws when the paternity is disputed and the case goes to court:

When the couple is married, and the husband is proven to be the father, he will be asked to pay for a legal DNA Test for child support.
If the husband is not the father, the mother or the state will pay.
In other cases, the state will ask child support agencies to cover the cost to assist low-income individuals.

Test through Child Support Agency

In cases when the mother takes child support services through a state agency, the agency will ask for a DNA Test. If proven, the alleged father will have to pay for the test. If not proven, the state agency will cover all the costs.

Private DNA Testing

When the couple does not involve any legal party but prefers a private testing approach, such as home DNA test kits, they will bear the cost. However, these DNA test results have no legal implications.

What if the Father Refuses to pay?

In case the father refuses to pay for a legal DNA test for child support, the court will order him to pay for the expenses. But if he still refuses, there will be legal consequences.

The court will declare him the father without biological proof, which means he is obliged to pay for the child support.
He will be held in contempt of court, which could lead to jail time or heavy fines.

What if the Father can’t afford to pay?

In such cases, many states offer financial assistance for low-income individuals. Moreover, some state agencies and child support agencies pay for the test and deduct it later from the child support payments.

What happens when Paternity is confirmed?

Once the paternity is confirmed, the father is needed to provide financial support for the children. This may include health care expenses, education costs, and other living expenses. The court will decide the amount of child support based on the father’s income and the child’s needs.

Can a non-biological Father be forced to pay for Child Support?

In the child’s best interest, the non-biological father is required to pay for the child’s support. But this depends on some circumstances:

If he was married to the mother when the child was born.
His name is written on the child’s birth certificate.
If he voluntarily agrees and signs the paternity acknowledgment.

In case he finds out he is not the biological father after signing the agreement of paternity, he needs a legal DNA Test to challenge it in court.

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Final Words

Determining who will pay for a legal DNA paternity test for child support depends on whether it’s a court-ordered test or a voluntary test. In cases where paternity is confirmed, the father usually pays. On the other hand, the state pays when paternity is not confirmed. However, other payment options and financial assistance are also available.

Navigating child support complications is always challenging and an emotional process. But with proper guidance and the right information, you can ensure your kid receives the financial support they deserve.

Next Step

Establishing paternity is necessary to legally secure your kid’s financial support. However, paternity testing is not only crucial for child support but is also important for the well-being of your little one. So, if you are facing paternity disputes and are seeking financial child support, don’t hesitate to contact Choice DNA. With comprehensive legal DNA paternity test options and accurate results, we will help you navigate these challenges smoothly.