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 Georgia, ensuring your child can enjoy these benefits
How is paternity established in Georgia?
Paternity establishment of child occurs when the parents of the child are not married. There are two methods of paternity establishment.
1. Voluntary Paternity Establishment
This requires both mother and alleged father to sign the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (VAP) form at the hospital or at Georgia Department of Public Health’s Vital Records Office.
2. Disagreement About Paternity
In case where one of the parents disagree about the paternity of a child. The other parent can file a paternity petition with family court. If the petition is accepted a court ordered to appear in court will be issued to the respondent.
At the hearing the judge will mandate paternity testing be performed. Please note, court-ordered paternity tests normally require the mother of the child to participate.
How to get a court ordered DNA test Georgia?
As stated earlier, a paternity petition has to filed for court order to be issued. There are two ways paternity DNA test results can used as evidence in court.
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 Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) are opened. It should be noted that DCSS are required by law to perform mandatory paternity tests. DCSS 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 take 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 Georgia’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 Before 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.
For legal paternity testing questions or appointments. Call 877-680-5800 to get started.
Out-of pocket 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.
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.
