DNA Test - Tulsa, OK

Tulsa, Oklahoma - DNA Testing

Woman Abandoned as Infant in Tulsa Reunites with Family

Amy Cox, from Oklahoma, was adopted at six months of age. When she was 18, she heard a rumor that she had been abandoned in a phone booth at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds, but she didn't believe it. However, when her adoptive mother told her it was true, she began her journey to find out why.

After taking a DNA test, she was connected with a distant cousin. Later, she matched with four biological siblings. Amy appeared on the Dr. Oz show and enjoyed a "beautiful, tearful reunion" with two of her biological sisters. While she learned that both of her biological parents had passed away, she says she is grateful that her siblings have been so loving and accepting. Her siblings are happy to have been reunited and say that their parents are probably "looking down on them and smiling."

Man Born in Tulsa Reunites with Family After 64 Years

Barry Wilmoth was born in Tulsa in 1955 and was adopted a few months later. His birth mother, Judy Kirkpatrick, was only 15 years old when she had Barry. She spent years looking for him but was told that the adoption was closed and no information was available.

When Judy's niece took a DNA test and found that she had matched with a man she didn't know, she called Barry, who explained his story. She recognized the similarities and she and her mother contacted Judy, telling her, "We think we found your boy."

Barry began regularly speaking with his mother and his siblings and they have been in almost constant contact. They also planned to reunite on Thanksgiving. When speaking of meeting with his mother, Barry said, "I don't know if when I see her, if I'm going to be able to stop holding her."

The Role of DNA in Oklahoma Paternity Law

In the state of Oklahoma, when a child is born to married parents, the mother's husband is presumed to be the child's father and no legal action is required. This also automatically gives the child certain rights, such as the ability to receive an inheritance. However, if a child's mother is not married, they must take steps to establish paternity.

According to attorneys at the Tulsa law firm Fry & Elder, if there is any uncertainty about the identity of the child's biological father, it's critical to request a DNA test. If the man is determined to be the child's biological father, the courts can order him to begin paying child support, including birthing costs. This can also retroactively date back five years into the past, even if the man did not know about his paternity or have visitation with the child.

Last updated 7/27/2022