Paternity Tests: How Do They Work in Texas?

Determining paternity is essential for parents and children in many ways. Confirming the father-child relationship can facilitate the involved parent's involvement with their child and could even lead to child support. Paternity tests are used to legally clarify if a man is the biological father of a particular child. In Texas, these tests are conducted either at an accredited laboratory or clinic and processed through a state agency known as the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The test typically involves collecting a sample of DNA from both the mother and suspected father by collecting oral swabs or other samples such as hair roots, blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Samples are then analyzed and compared to determine if they share genetic traits, confirming a biological connection between them. The result of such tests can be used in court proceedings to establish legal paternity. With accurate results, courts can order child support or adjust current payments accordingly. It’s important for individuals seeking paternity testing to understand that it has become increasingly more reliable and accepted by family courts since its introduction over 25 years ago, but should be done through DSHS due to its accuracy with Texas law.

Paternity testing is an important tool to determine who is the biological parent of a child. It can be used to establish legal parental rights and provide documentation in cases where the father’s name is not included on the birth certificate.

Additionally, paternity testing can help resolve disputes between unmarried parents by providing legal proof that an alleged father is actually the biological parent. Additionally, it can also provide scientific evidence that an alleged father is not actually the biological parent if there are doubts or uncertainty regarding who fathered the child.

Paternity testing involves taking DNA samples from both the mother and potential father and searching for genetic markers known as alleles which are passed from one generation to another. The results are then compared to see if they match enough to certify with a degree of accuracy (typically greater than 99% certainty) that a particular individual is the biological parent of the child in question. After all necessary testing has been completed, people will have access to clear answers about who their child's biological father truly is.

DNA paternity tests are a relatively simple and straightforward way to determine the father of a child. The process involves collecting samples from both the father and child, which are then sent to an authorized laboratory for testing.

The laboratory analyzes cell samples to extract DNA and identify specific genetic markers that are relevant to each participant.

DNA paternity tests are a relatively simple and straightforward way to determine the father of a child. The process involves collecting samples from both the father and child, which are then sent to an authorized laboratory for testing.

The laboratory analyzes cell samples to extract DNA and identify specific genetic markers that are relevant to each participant.

An experienced family law attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can help you explain and navigate the entire case process. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.