You never married your child’s mother, but you know that they’re yours. They look just like you, and you’re satisfied that this is a closed relationship. In your eyes, there is no way that this child isn’t yours.
Still, from a legal standpoint, establishing paternity is important. Doing so will allow you to guarantee your parental rights and that you can pursue custody or visitation. Without a paternity test, you can voluntarily acknowledge paternity, but it’s normally a good idea to get the DNA test just to be sure.
Getting a DNA test is simple
Some people worry about getting a DNA test for their child. Others believe it would be insulting to ask for one. At the end of the day, a DNA test is the only way to prove with certainty that this is your child. It’s noninvasive in most cases, and it requires only a small sample of blood or saliva from you and your child.
You can ask for a DNA test as soon as your child is born, if you’re happy waiting that long, and then will have confirmation of your child’s parentage within a few days (in most cases).
Remember, even though you and the other parent are on good terms now doesn’t necessarily mean things will stay that way. A DNA paternity test will prove your biological link to your child and give you the parental rights that you need to pursue visitation and custody should you and the child’s mother ever decide to break up or move on with your lives separately. Your attorney can help you get this test court ordered if necessary.