DNA Test - Devon, PA

Local DNA Testing for Devon, PA

Establishing Paternity in Devon, PA

Under Pennsylvania law, when a child is born to a married couple, no necessary steps need to be taken to establish legal paternity. For unmarried Devon parents who are not married, the state provides quick and easy ways to establish legal paternity. Establishing paternity is important as it legally declares who the child's father is, enabling them to now receive benefits like health insurance from either party. Furthermore, the legal establishment of paternity will be required in the case that either parent seeks child support services.

If both parents have full confidence in the child's paternity, the best way to go about the paternity establishment process is by completing an Acknowledgement of Paternity. This form is completely voluntary and is first presented for completion at the hospital following the child's birth. If both parents cannot complete the acknowledgment at this time, one may be completed later through a Chester County Division of Vital Records location.

Navigating Issues Determining Paternity in Devon, PA

Not always will a Devon, PA mother have full confidence in her child's paternity. Before moving forward with the paternity establishment process, Devon parents must accurately determine the child's paternity to avoid any legal hiccups later on. If a man learns at a later date that he is not the biological father, he may face difficulties in court disestablishing paternity and removing any child support obligations. This is because the voluntary acknowledgment has already been completed and filed, and serves as a legal connection between the man and child.

To avoid any of these issues, the best thing a Devon parent can do is to undergo DNA testing. For instances when a mother struggles to have the presumed father submit to DNA testing, she should file a paternity petition with Chester County Family Court. Undergoing this process will allow the courts to summon the presumed father and mandate he submit to DNA testing. If results successfully conclude the child's paternity, then paternity can be legally established, and a parent can seek child support services.

Experts in Devon, PA Say…

Following the paternity establishment process, a Devon parent may need to request child support services. Under Pennsylvania code, when the courts determine the amount of child support that is to be paid out each month, they'll examine multiple factors. According to Devon Family Law Attorney Marta Laynas, the factors that the courts consider include each parent's net income and assets, medical and health insurance support, and any additional needs of the parent or child. Likewise, child support amounts will also depend on custody agreements and how much time with the child will be spent between both parents.