When can a paternity test be conducted?

In Texas, it is possible for a paternity test to be conducted prior to the birth of a child, or shortly after. Prior to birth, the mother must typically sign a consent form for the test to be performed if she is unmarried. Such a test can be conducted either through a blood test or amniocentesis (a special type of ultrasound). After the birth of a child, parents may choose to get a paternity test regardless of their marital status. Typically, such a test is conducted using a cheek swab of the child and the alleged father. However, the alleged father will have to sign a consent form prior to the test being performed. If the mother and alleged father are unmarried, the man must sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form before the test is conducted in order for the results to be legally binding. This form must be signed in the presence of either a notary or two witnesses, and should be signed by both parties in front of a Texas Vital Statistics employee. Once the paternity test has been completed, the results can be legally binding without any further court proceedings. The results of the test will be available to the parties involved within 10-14 days.

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When can a paternity test be conducted?

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