What is a court-ordered paternity test?

A court-ordered paternity test is a legal order from a court that requires a DNA test to establish the biological father of a child. This type of test is typically done when an alleged father is contesting paternal rights or otherwise seeking to prove the child is his. In West Virginia, to establish paternity, an alleged father must submit to a DNA paternity test. This must be done voluntarily or by court order. If the alleged father refuses to participate in a paternity test, West Virginia law allows the court to order the test. The court will decide who will be tested and pay for the test. The court can also require the alleged father to pay for the costs associated with the test. Once the DNA test is completed and analyzed, the results will be submitted to the court. The court will decide if the test proves the alleged father is the biological father of the child in question and will decide what type of legal rights and obligations the alleged father must fulfill. This could include child support, rights to custody and visitation, and even naming rights. Once paternity has been established through the DNA test, the court will issue an order of paternity. This court order is legally binding and is recognized by West Virginia law.

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What is a court-ordered paternity test?

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