Genetic screening or DNA testing proves family relationships between different people. The genetics of blood-related relatives from the same family root showcase similarity. If an individual has a connection to another person via blood relation, collecting their DNA samples and matching them proves their connection or belonging to the same family. For instance, a biological father’s DNA matches his kids’ DNA, siblings share DNA, and a grandfather matches the DNA of his grandkids. The legal paternity tests are standard practice to establish the relationship between a father and his children. There are several circumstances when legal paternity tests are necessary. 

Inheritance Purposes

There are several cases across the US where a person claims to belong to a specific family, but the family disagrees. The court mandates a legal paternity test when such matters concern inheritance purposes. If the paternity test result is positive, the individual claiming to be part of the family has the legal right to inheritance. The court accepts only legal DNA test reports established from certified and licensed testing centers or laboratories. The results of in-house DNA kits don’t hold value or credibility in the court.

IVF Problems

The challenges and issues in childbearing have given rise to fertility centers and facilities across the nation. Some fertility centers abide by state and Federal regulations and don’t engage in illegal activities. However, a few of them make money by playing with the emotions of the couples. Some fertility facilities use sperm or eggs from someone else for IVF. The center guarantees that the eggs and sperm belong to the mother and father, but there is no assurance. 

If a couple suspects that their egg or sperm samples were not used in the IVF process, they can take maternity or legal paternity tests and ensure the DNA. In case of discrepancies, the couple takes the matter to court and sues the fertility center for cheating on them, extracting sums of money, and playing with their emotions.

Baby Swapping in the Hospitals

Several studies reveal that there are multiple cases in the US maternity hospitals and nursing homes where babies get swapped. If parents have every reason to doubt or believe that there was a swap of their child in the hospital or nursing home, maternity or paternity tests are the best solution. The DNA test draws blood from the father (in case of paternity test) or mother (in case of maternity DNA test) and the child/children and rules out possibilities.

Lack of Husband’s Trust in the Wife

 It is one of the common reasons for getting legal paternity tests. If a husband believes or has reasons to consider that his wife is unfaithful and the child/children don’t belong to the couple, the husband seeks legal paternity tests to match his DNA with the child/children. The results prove or disprove the husband’s doubts and suspicions. Sometimes, the test is conducted for peace of mind, and often, court orders to grant divorce (infidelity cases) or resolve family disputes.

Identifying the Real Father

In some cases, a woman is not 100% sure about the paternity of her child. Conducting a paternity test of the DNA samples of the potential father and the child determines the outcome. The best part about the paternity tests is that they are safe during pregnancy. Some women prefer to know the paternity of the child before birth. It helps her to decide on the pregnancy and ways to approach it. DNA sample testing is simple, and there is no need to take extra precautions.

Immigration Purposes

Some nations mandate legal paternity or DNA tests to establish the relationship between the primary applicant and the family members. It is done before handing over citizenship or permanent residency to the dependent applicants. Apart from inheritance issues, infidelity, IVF scams, and identifying the biological father, immigration authorities conduct legal paternity tests as well.

Conclusion

The highlight of the legal paternity tests is that they are highly accurate (99% accuracy). The tests prove whether a man is the biological father of a child/children or not. The courts consider DNA or paternity test results as valid evidence in cases of inheritance, divorce, immigration, and child maintenance. 

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