Is there a time limit for a man to file for court-ordered paternity testing?

In Washington, the father of a child can file for a court-ordered paternity test any time before the child reaches the age of 18. However, this time limit may vary depending on the specific circumstances. For instance, if the mother or father is married or has been married within two years before the child was born, the paternity test must be filed within that two-year period. Additionally, if the mother or father believes that the other parent is not the biological parent of the child, the paternity test must be filed within one year of the child’s birth. The court will determine the length of time that the test results are valid when the order is made. Generally speaking, the court will set the validity period for the results of the test at two years. If the paternity test is not completed within the two-year period, the court may choose to reject the results. Therefore, it is important for a father seeking court-ordered paternity testing to file within the appropriate time period. If the father fails to file within the time limits set by the court, the father will have to wait until the child turns 18 to have the test completed. If a father is uncertain about the time limits, it is best to seek legal advice from a family law attorney in Washington.

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