How do I get a court-ordered paternity test?

In order to obtain a court-ordered paternity test in Texas, you must first file a suit with the court. This can be done either by the mother, the potential father, or the child, depending on the circumstances. The suit is used to request that the court order a DNA test be performed to determine the father of the child. Once the suit is filed, the potential father will receive a summons to appear in court. At the hearing, the court will decide whether or not a paternity test is warranted. If a paternity test is ordered, a legal document called an Order for Paternity Testing (OFP) will be issued by the court. The OFP will specify the type of test that will be performed, whereabouts the test should be done, and who is responsible for the costs. The OFP must be served on the potential father before the test can be conducted. The actual test is typically performed by a lab that is contracted by the court. The lab will collect DNA samples from the child, the mother, and the potential father. The results of the test are typically available within four to six weeks after the sampling is completed. Once the results of the paternity test are known, the court will make a decision on the issue of paternity. The court’s decision is final and legally binding, and it will be based on the test results. If the test results prove that the potential father is the actual father of the child, the court will typically order the father to provide financial and emotional support to the child.

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How do I get a court-ordered paternity test?

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