Establishing paternity is crucial for a child’s financial security, health, inheritance rights, and self-identity, particularly for children born to unmarried parents. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of petitioning to establish paternity in Alabama, ensuring your child can enjoy these benefits
How to file a Petition to establish paternity in Alabama?
Getting a court ordered paternity test
File a petition: A paternity petition has to be filed for court order to be issued. There are two ways paternity DNA test results can used as evidence in family court. Get Alabama’s petition to establish paternity form PS-04 here.
Judge Issues A Court Order: When a judge requests DNA testing be performed the judge will instruct the parties involved on where they DNA samples are to collected if the state is cover the cost.
In cases were the Alabama Dept. of Human Resources (DHR) are opened. It should be noted that DCSS are required by law to perform mandatory paternity tests. DHR case worker is responsible for walking both parties through the process of performing a paternity test.
Court Turnaround Times
The turnaround times for court organized DNA Tests can be lengthy. It often takes several weeks to a few months. We recommend speaking with the personnel in charge of your case to inquire about wait times.
Please note: This information provided in this post regarding Alabama’s paternity establishment guidelines are informational use only and not legal advice. We recommend speaking with a family law professional for a detailed understanding of the process.
Paternity Test Without a Court Order: A legal paternity test can be performed with or without court order and used as evidence later when you file petition in Family Court. Below are few things you need to know to successfully perform a court admissible DNA paternity test result.
1. All legal paternity tests must be tested and analyzed by an AABB accredited laboratory.
2. It is recommended that the participate in the testing process if available.
3. At-Home DNA Test Kits do not meet the criteria for establish a proper chain of custody therefor the results are not recognized by Family Courts and cannot be used for any legal purpose.
Out-of Pocket Legal Test Turnaround Times
The average turnaround time for legal paternity test results from IDTO DNA Testing Center is 2 to 3 business days from the date in which lab receives all genetic samples. For legal paternity testing questions or appointments. Call 877-680-5800 for quotes and to get started.
Upon the completion of your results a copy will mailed to your and another will be emailed to you for your records. In cases were a judge may request the lab to send the results directly to their office. Just provide your assigned caseworker with the additional details.
Alabama’s Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
If an unmarried couple are certain the man is the biological father of their child. Signing a VAP form at the hospital or local county health department after the birth.
