[ScottGem]

Either way I am not looking for leverage to use against him in taking the test. I was wondering what the options were for my mother at that time to pursue the issue and establish paternity in a contested case where the father fled the jurisdiction. I can't find any way she could have back then.

Do you understand the word "moot"? It really doesn't matter what recourse your mother had back then. Since she never pursued it, the issue is moot!

If she filed for child support, and he didn't show for a hearing or paternity test, then he would have been named your father by default. So there were things your mother could have done. But that's all water under the bridge. You need to get a court to compel him to take a test. I believe a court will grant the request so you can have a medical history, but for no other reason.

[southerngal77]

It was a question for personal knowledge only, not current options. Yes you are correct, medical history and inheritance rights. There is no recourse for simple paternity alone in TN.

[JudyKayTee]

22 posts later what I thought might be happening, is - medical history AND inheritance rights. If the complete, true story had been posted this thread would have been much shorter and the advice would have been different (or so I believe).

I've been an investigator far too long!

[ScottGem]

It was a question for personal knowledge only, not current options. Yes you are correct, medical history and inheritance rights. There is no recourse for simple paternity alone in TN.

So this isn't just about knowing your medical history. You also want a piece of his estate?

[southerngal77]

Oh my gosh I try to end the whole thing yet it continues. No that is the ONLY reason for establishing paternity for an adult right now TN restricts the rights to after the father's death. He has no money, never has and unless he wins the lotto he won't either. His family also has no money and never has. I'm the only person in the family that has even graduated high school much less college. This is about my identity, my medical history (I do know a little already like he's an alcoholic but that's it.), my right to know my father and have him recognized.

[ScottGem]

Oh my gosh I try to end the whole thing yet it continues. No that is the ONLY reason for establishing paternity for an adult right now TN restricts the rights to after the father's death. He has no money, never has and unless he wins the lotto he won't either. His family also has no money and never has. I'm the only person in the family that has even graduated high school much less college. This is about my identity, my medical history (I do know a little already like he's an alcoholic but that's it.), my right to know my father and have him recognized.

OK, But you opened that door (inheritance) with your previous comment.

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