What is the difference between legal and genetic paternity?

Legal and genetic paternity are two different types of paternity. Legal paternity is the recognition of a man as the legal father of a child, while genetic paternity is a father’s biological tie to a child. In Nebraska, a man is legally considered the father of a child if he is married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth. If a man is not married to the mother, he can establish legal paternity by signing the birth certificate or signing an acknowledgement of paternity. Once legal paternity is established, the father is responsible for providing financial and emotional support to the child. Genetic paternity is established through a DNA test. A DNA test reveals whether a man is the biological father of a child. This type of paternity does not give the father any rights to the child; it simply confirms that he is the child’s biological father. In Nebraska, any legal disputes involving paternity must be brought before a court. If genetic paternity is in question, the court may order a DNA test. If necessary, the court will then decide legal paternity by considering what is in the best interests of the child.

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