subject: Paternity Tests - Who Needs It And How Much Does It Cost? [print this page] Technology has advanced to a state where genetic testing is easy. Paternity, which happens to mean fatherhood, can now be established with genetic testing. DNA based paternity testing is usually 99% accurate. Of course, you may be wondering who needs to use this type of testing and how much it costs. Here is a closer look at a paternity test and important information you need to know.
Reasons to Have Paternity Tests Done
You'll find that many reasons to have paternity tests done exist today. From child support debates, to adoption, immigration, and more, these tests are used on a regular basis. The following are just a few reasons this test may be done.
- Reason #1 - Child Support Disputes - In some cases, a paternity test may be used in child support disputes. In some cases, a man may dispute the idea that he is a father of the child needing child support. If the man is not the father, he will not be responsible for that child support.
- Reason #2 - Adoption - When a child is released for adoption, both parents have to release that child. If there is a question of who the father may be, this type of testing may be done to find out who the father is.
- Reason #3 - Immigration Concerns - There are immigration concerns that may be settled with paternity testing. In some cases, when a family member of a citizen of the United States wants to immigrate into the country, they may be required to go through this testing.
- Reason #4 - Visitation and Custody Rights - If a man is trying to get custody of a child or visitation rights, often courts will require a paternity test to be done before the decision is made.
- Reason #5 - Inheritance or Insurance Claims - If an inheritance is left behind by a father, often the division of the estate is dependent on familial relationships. If someone comes forward claiming to be a child of the deceased, a paternity test may be required. When putting a child on an insurance policy, some companies may require a test to ensure that the child is biologically the father's.
- Reason #6 - Medical Reasons - Some people are worried about medical problems that may run in their family. Taking a paternity test can help them figure out who their father is, allowing them to identify medical concerns that may be passed down to them.
- Reason #7 - Personal Peace of Mind - Of course, for many people, taking a paternity test is simply something to establish peace of mind. They just want to know who their father is and where they come from.
How Much Does it Cost
Paternity tests can vary in cost depending on whether you use an at home test kit or if you go to a medical facility to have the test done. Usually at test kit for home use will cost about $30. However, there are lab fees to pay as well when you send the test in. These fees usually cost about $100. On the other hand, a test done in a medical facility can end up costing you $300 to $1000, depending on the facility you use.
