Men, Protect Your Parental Rights – Do Genetic Testing
Several times I've admonished readers to always get a DNA test to see if you're the child's father. Married or single, get a test. If you don't you may end up supporting a child who's not yours whether you like it or not. If you're divorcing, always demand a test. They're not expensive and if you don't, courts may well cut off your right to contest paternity later on.
Genetic testing is the best way to take your rights into your own hands. If you rely on the mother, you hand her your parental rights. Of course most women are honest about paternity, but some aren't. And if she did have a little fling on the sly, there's no downside to her concealing it or the fact that the child may not be yours. That makes ascertaining paternity your job.
Across the board, about 10% of children are fathered by a man who's not the putative father. I'd argue that's high enough to make you want to be sure. If you think you're the dad, chances are you are, and test results can let you sleep easier.
You can do this privately too. There are plenty of DNA testing services that will send you a kit with instructions. Basically, you gather the sample, either a cheek swab from you and the child or hairs, and send them to the lab which sends you the results.
Here's a how-to article with some tips on choosing a testing service.
|
| More from Robert Franklin
Stumble It!
