According to the law in many countries, a legal proof of fatherhood requires that the mother is married during conception. Alternatively, during birth, both parents sign acknowledgment of parentage while at the hospital. If this is not the case, the paternity can be determined later through a paternity test. Jeffrey Feulner has a clear understanding of all issues relating to family and divorce law. What is a paternity test and how does it work?

Are there any benefits to performing paternity tests?

There are several benefits to a child establishing who their biological father is. This information is perfect for the child’s development and enables the mother and father arrive at an understanding that is in their child’s best interests.

As the mother of a child first identify the biological father and help ensure that they are financially supported. This can be done through child support. Other benefits that can be enjoyed include the inheritance, social security, insurance and veteran benefits. Alternatively, once your child ascertains who the birth father is, they will develop a relationship and ease the parenting burden that you solely carry. This will depend on how much the father will decide to be involved.

Once a parental relationship is ascertained, the child is the biggest beneficiary. First, this is an emotional moment that can help in their future development especially if they establish a relationship. Knowing the biological father entitles the child to inheritance rights. Any other benefits such as child support ensure that the child gets a comfortable upbringing. The basis for determining any parental relation during testing is the DNA.It is also the most commonly used method. Alternatively, testing the blood for serum antigens can do this too. Here are four paternity tests often used.

Tests

Non-invasive prenatal paternity

Also referred to as NIPP testing, it is the best-preferred method with a 99% rate of accuracy. During this test the blood sample from the mother and the baby’s DNA which is freely flowing within the bloodstream. This test is done after the baby has passed the eighth week of the pregnancy. All that’s required is the mother and prospective blood samples. Therefore, the developing baby is not exposed to any risk.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is pronounced during the second trimester of pregnancy. This is between the 14th and the 20th week. During this test, physicians use ultrasound when guiding the needle into the mothers’ uterus via the abdomen. A small amount of the amniotic fluid is extracted as it contains the baby’s DNA.

Chorionic villus sampling

CVS sampling is where the physician inserts a thin tube or needle into the vagina to obtain a sample of chorionic villus. In other cases, the needle may be inserted via the abdomen. On the uterine wall are branch-like tissues called the chorionic villi. They have traces of DNA. This method is preferred around the 10th and 13th week of pregnancy.

Postnatal testing

It costs way less to undergo a post-natal test than a prenatal one. If the testing were to be performed right at childbirth, blood extracts from the umbilical cord are used.