How Reliable Are Paternity Tests in Atlanta?

If you recently received the results of a paternity test in Atlanta, you might be in a state of denial. Perhaps you believe that these results cannot possibly be accurate. Maybe you think that there must have been some kind of mistake. What are the chances of a lab technician botching your paternity test? How common are these kinds of mistakes? Although these are scientific questions, you might want to discuss your next steps with an experienced paternity attorney in Atlanta.

Modern Paternity Tests Have Accuracy Rates of 99.9 Percent 

Although there are various types of paternity tests to choose from, all have extremely high accuracy rates. The most common types have accuracy rates of over 99.9 percent. In other words, the chances of this test being wrong are 0.01 percent. Paternity tests are therefore incorrect once in every 1,000 tests.

While this number is low, a false positive is certainly possible. Many thousands of people get paternity tests each year in the United States, which means that some people inevitably receive false news regarding fatherhood.

Why 99.9 Percent Isn’t Always Conclusive

Putting the chance of false positives aside, there are other reasons to doubt a 99.9 percent DNA match. First, the laboratory may have contaminated or mixed up samples. Some lab workers are even guilty of fraud, and they could intentionally skew results or provide inaccurate DNA profiles. Finally, a 99.9 percent DNA match isn’t much help if the two potential fathers are closely related. For example, a mother might struggle to determine which man is the father if two brothers (or twins) are involved.

Can I Ask for a Second DNA Test?

If you doubt the validity of the first paternity test, you can ask for a second one. If you have reason to believe that the results were fraudulent or unreliable in any way, be sure to raise this information with the family court. You may only have a few weeks to formally challenge the DNA test. If you can’t get the court to order a new paternity test, you may need to pay for one yourself.

You May Need to Accept the Outcome 

As unbelievable as a paternity test may seem, it is difficult to argue with hard science. Denial is a common first reaction, but you may eventually start to accept the truth. Once the result becomes clear, you can discuss your next steps with a family law attorney. These steps might include fighting for custody, requesting child support, and more.

Can a Family Law Attorney in Atlanta Help Me?

Generally speaking, paternity tests are extremely accurate. Although there is always the possibility of an incorrect result, you may need to accept the outcome for what it is. Depending on your situation, a paternity test could have major implications for child custody, child support, and parental rights in Atlanta. Once you confirm the accuracy of your paternity test, you can discuss your next steps with Buckhead Family Law.

Sources: 

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10119-dna-paternity-test

medpro.co.th/dna-paternity-test-accuracy/?v=3678880a8f79