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LittleGoober · May 19, 2007, 11:27 PM

My question is: In California do they always do a paternity test when you file for child support? How will they do it on an infant?

Thank you!

1badchoice · May 19, 2007, 11:35 PM

Most states only order paternity test if the father is denying the child as his. A judge or child support enforcement can get an order for a paternity test. It's usually done with a swab on the inside of the baby's mouth. That gives them skin cells. Seems that they could also use blood however that is more invasive. Cathy

tawnynkids · May 20, 2007, 08:41 AM

They will always do a paternity test in California if he is not already on the birth certificate, you were not married when the baby was born, he did not sign an affidavit of paternity at birth, and will not sign one now. I do live in California and have had to deal with the DCSS quite a bit. When DNA is done, if the potential father turns out to be the father, he is billed for the test. If he is not I believe the state eats the cost. But I am not positive.

They will take a small blood sample from you, one from the baby (usually they can do a heal stick or they will take a little from the arm), and one from dad. You and "dad" are usually drawn at different times, possibly at different locations. The blood is then sent to a lab for evaluation. The results usually take up to about 6 weeks. I believe they will probably send you to the nearest hospital to do it, but have heard of them having an "in house" phlebotomist (persons who takes blood) do it also. They will check your ID to make sure you say who you are and do the draw. It is typical for you to be notified in the mail of the results.
Hope that answers your questions.

LittleGoober · May 20, 2007, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by tawnynkids

They will always do a paternity test in California if he is not already on the birth certificate, you were not married when the baby was born, he did not sign an affidavit of paternity at birth, and will not sign one now. I do live in California and have had to deal with the DCSS quite a bit. When DNA is done, if the potential father turns out to be the father, he is billed for the test. If he is not I believe the state eats the cost. But I am not positive.

They will take a small blood sample from you, one from the baby (usually they can do a heal stick or they will take a little from the arm), and one from dad. You and "dad" are usually drawn at different times, possibly at different locations. The blood is then sent to a lab for evaluation. The results usually take up to about 6 weeks. I believe they will probably send you to the nearest hospital to do it, but have heard of them having an "in house" phlebotomist (persons who takes blood) do it also. They will check your ID to make sure you say who you are and do the draw. It is typical for you to be notified in the mail of the results.
Hope that answers your questions.

He is on the birth certificate and he is the father, so they will not do one then? I just don't want them to have to stick my maybe with a needle, you know?

tawnynkids · May 20, 2007, 10:36 AM

Because you can put anyone on the birth certificate they will not go on that alone as long he is denying he is the father. If he is willing sign an affidavit of paternity a DNA won't be done. I have had 2 children do paternity tests don't worry it isn't as bad as you think. We hate to see our kids get poked with anything, or see them in any pain, but they have to go through it for immunizations it really isn't much different. They get over it very quickly. But I do know :)