How does the genetic testing process work?
Genetic tests are available at your local child support office. Samples of cells are taken by swabbing the inside of the cheek of the mother, child, and alleged father. If a court orders a genetic test and the alleged father is the biological father, the father will be required to pay the genetic testing fee. If a court orders a genetic test and the alleged father is not the biological father, the local office will pay the fee. How does my local child support office establish paternity? If the child or children need to have paternity established, a caseworker will send a letter to the custodial parent for an appointment as soon as the alleged father is located. The caseworker explains the legal process to both parties. If the alleged father has signed a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form, a petition to set support is prepared and filed with the court. If the alleged father has not signed this form, a petition to establish paternity and set support is filed with the court, as we
