If you’re an unmarried dad-to-be, ask for a DNA test

On Behalf of | Jun 19, 2020 | Divorce |

You and your girlfriend never got engaged or married. You didn’t feel like she was the right person for you to spend your life with. You broke up, and you thought that the relationship was behind you.

Unfortunately, you didn’t know that she was pregnant at the time of the breakup. She didn’t know either. That’s why you got a call around four weeks later telling you the news.

At that point, you were happy to be having a child but not pleased about how the pregnancy happened. Since your girlfriend didn’t want to break up, you were worried that this was a ploy to get back together, too. You want to make sure that this is your child and that you are responsible for them after their birth.

As an unmarried father, you should ask for a DNA test

As an unmarried father, it is a good idea to ask for a DNA test, even if you don’t doubt that the child is yours. The DNA test may be able to be taken before your ex-partner gives birth, but if not, it can be taken noninvasively as soon as your child is born.

It’s a good idea to get a DNA test to eliminate any doubts about your child’s parentage from a legal standpoint as well. If there is any risk that the child is not yours, it’s worth the time and effort to seek the DNA test. Additionally, a DNA test will guarantee your rights as the father of your child if it comes back showing that you’re a match.

Your attorney would be happy to help you seek a DNA test. If your child’s mother won’t get one willingly, then you can ask for a court order.