My Ex Says I Owe Child Support. Can I Get a Paternity Test?

If you have learned that you owe child support, you might have a few questions. Perhaps you doubt whether you are biologically related to the child in question, and this is a valid concern. After all, it doesn’t make sense to pay child support for a child that isn’t even yours. But how can you prove that you’re not biologically related? Is it possible to get a paternity test? This is something you might want to ask an experienced family law attorney in Atlanta.

You Have the Right to Request a DNA Test 

Even if the mother is absolutely certain that you are the biological father of a specific child, you have the right to request a DNA test from the family court in Georgia. In fact, the Georgia Division of Child Support Services may be legally required to arrange a paternity test before enforcing child support orders.

The next stage depends on whether paternity has been established or not. If you were not married to the mother at the time of the birth, your paternity is probably not established. If you were married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, the family court may assume that you are the biological father.

Either way, you have the right to request a paternity test. This test might occur automatically, or you might have to formally petition for this outcome. Whatever the case may be, a mother may struggle to legally enforce a child support order without establishing that you are biologically related to the child.

The Mother Can Also Force You to Undergo a Paternity Test 

Keep in mind that this works both ways. The mother of the child may also force you to take a paternity test, even if you feel confident that you are not biologically related to the child. If you are ordered to take this test, you must comply. And if the result is positive, then you will need to begin paying child support.

As a result, a paternity test is something of a double-edged sword. One of these tests could free you from child support obligations, lifting a weight off your shoulders. However, it could also force you to pay child support for many years. Regardless, a paternity test is probably something that neither individual can avoid – and this is a reality that all parties must accept.

Can an Atlanta Family Law Attorney Help With Paternity? 

An Atlanta family law attorney may be able to help with matters related to paternity. If you believe that you have no biological relation to a child, you may not have to pay child support. You also have the right to request a paternity test, and your lawyer can help you make this request through proper legal channels. Contact Buckhead Family Law today to learn about the next steps.

 Sources: 

childsupport.georgia.gov/programs-services/paternity-establishment

childsupport.georgia.gov/document/document/paternity-establishment-faq/download