Can a paternity test be conducted after the child is born?

Yes, a paternity test can be conducted after a child is born in Florida. The mother of the child can petition the court for a paternity test to determine the father of the child. In order to do so, the mother must file a petition for a paternity establishment with the court. After the petition is filed, the father may be served with the petition and given the opportunity to file an answer to it. If the father chooses not to answer the petition, the mother can still proceed with the paternity establishment process. The court will order both the mother and the father to submit to genetic testing. This testing will usually include both the mother and father undergoing a cheek swab for their DNA. The results of this testing will be compared to determine if there is a match. If a genetic match is determined, then the court will enter a judgment of paternity. This judgment will legally establish the father of the child and will provide the father with different rights and responsibilities regarding the child, including an obligation to pay child support. In Florida, it is important to note that a paternity test conducted after the birth of the child must be ordered by the court. This is to ensure the process is handled in a fair and legal manner. A paternity test conducted without the order of the court may not be legally binding.

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Can a paternity test be conducted after the child is born?

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