How is paternity typically established in a court of law?

In Kentucky, establishing paternity in a court of law typically involves either an acknowledgment of paternity, a genetic test, or an order from the court. An acknowledgment of paternity is a written agreement, signed by both the mother and putative father in front of a notary, stating that he is the child’s father. This is the most common way for paternity to be established in Kentucky. In the case where both parents cannot agree on the paternity of a child, the judge may order paternity testing. The mother, father, and child will be tested for their DNA, and the results are compared to determine if the father is a biological match to the child. The results of the test are usually legally binding and can be used to obtain child support from the father. Finally, if the mother refuses to sign an acknowledgment of paternity or the putative father cannot be located for a paternity test, the judge may issue an order of paternity. This may involve obtaining statements from witnesses to verify that the father is the biological parent of the child. If the court is satisfied with the evidence presented, it will enter an order that officially declares the man to be the legal father of the child.

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How is paternity typically established in a court of law?

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