For unmarried fathers in Wisconsin, establishing paternity is a critical step in securing legal rights and responsibilities regarding their child. Without legal paternity, fathers have no automatic custody or visitation rights, making it essential to establish a formal legal relationship. One of the most reliable ways to confirm paternity is through DNA testing. This scientific method provides undeniable proof of biological fatherhood, ensuring that both parents and the child receive the legal and emotional benefits that come with a recognized paternal relationship.
If you are a father seeking to establish paternity in Milwaukee, here’s what you need to know about the role of DNA testing in the process.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
In Wisconsin, paternity must be legally established for a father to gain parental rights. This allows fathers to seek custody, visitation, and have a say in important decisions regarding their child’s upbringing. It also ensures that the child receives financial support, access to the father’s medical history, and legal benefits such as inheritance rights.
How DNA Testing Works in Paternity Cases
1. When is DNA Testing Required?
DNA testing is usually necessary when there is uncertainty or disagreement about a child’s biological father. If a father wants to establish his rights but the mother disputes paternity, or vice versa, a DNA test can provide scientific proof.
2. The DNA Testing Process
- Sample Collection: DNA samples are collected from the father, mother, and child through a simple and painless cheek swab.
- Laboratory Analysis: The collected samples are sent to a certified laboratory for testing.
- Results: DNA tests are over 99.9% accurate in determining paternity. The results are typically available within a few weeks and can be used as legal evidence in court.
3. Court-Ordered DNA Testing
If one party refuses to acknowledge paternity, the other parent can request a court-ordered DNA test. Wisconsin courts have the authority to mandate DNA testing if paternity is contested. A judge will issue an order requiring the alleged father and child to submit to testing, ensuring a fair resolution to the dispute.
Legal Benefits of DNA Testing for Fathers
- Securing Custody and Visitation Rights: Once DNA testing confirms paternity, fathers can petition for custody or visitation, ensuring they can be involved in their child’s life.
- Preventing False Paternity Claims: DNA testing protects men from wrongful child support claims by ensuring that only the biological father is held legally responsible.
- Providing Legal Recognition: A positive DNA test allows a father’s name to be added to the birth certificate, solidifying his legal connection to the child.
Protecting Your Rights with Legal Assistance
If you are a father seeking to establish paternity in Milwaukee, consulting with an experienced fathers’ rights attorney in Milwaukee is crucial. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you obtain a DNA test, and advocate for your parental rights.
By taking the necessary steps to confirm paternity, fathers can build meaningful relationships with their children while securing their legal rights and responsibilities. For a free consultation with a family law attorney in Milwaukee, feel free to call or visit Davis and Associates Attorneys office.