Discovering that a paternity test reveals you are not the biological father of a child you’ve been raising can be a jarring and emotionally challenging experience. This revelation can impact various aspects of your life, from your legal obligations to your personal relationships. Understanding your options and next steps is crucial. This comprehensive guide will explore what to do if a paternity test says you’re not the father, covering legal implications, emotional impacts, and practical considerations in depth.
Call Now: CALL NOW: 1.800.681.7162
Understanding Paternity Test Results
Understanding the results of a paternity test is important for interpreting the genetic information accurately and addressing any questions or concerns you might have. Paternity tests are highly reliable, but interpreting the results requires some knowledge of genetic principles and the testing process.
What Does a Negative Paternity Test Look Like?
A paternity test is designed to confirm or exclude biological fatherhood by comparing DNA markers between the alleged father and the child. A negative paternity test result indicates that the tested individual does not match the genetic markers of the child. This is usually presented in the test report through a low Combined Paternity Index (CPI) and a probability of paternity approaching 0%. The Genetic System Table will display various loci (specific locations on the DNA) where the child’s and alleged father’s genetic markers are compared. Significant mismatches in these markers confirm that the alleged father is not the biological father.
Can a Negative Paternity Test Be Wrong?
While negative paternity test results are highly accurate, there is still a very small chance of error. Possible errors can arise from sample contamination, lab errors, or issues during sample collection. Accredited laboratories like DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) follow rigorous procedures to ensure accuracy and minimize errors. If you believe the results are incorrect, you can request a retest or additional analysis to confirm the findings. It’s also essential to ensure that the testing process was correctly followed to rule out any procedural mistakes.
What Percentage of Paternity Tests Are Negative?
Negative paternity tests are relatively uncommon but do happen. The majority of paternity tests confirm the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child. However, the percentage of negative results can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the accuracy of the testing process. It’s important to remember that the primary goal of paternity testing is to provide accurate results based on genetic evidence.
If You Never Married Your Partner
1. You Never Claimed the Child Legally
If you and your partner were not married and you did not sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity document or the birth certificate, but you wish to maintain your relationship with the child, pursuing legal guardianship is an option. This process involves filing a petition with the court to become the child’s legal guardian.
Legal Guardianship Requirements
To qualify for legal guardianship, you must meet several criteria:
- Legal Adult: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Capacity to Care: You need to demonstrate that you have the time, resources, and ability to care for the child.
- Financial Stability: You should be able to provide for the child’s needs.
- Physical and Emotional Capability: You must be physically and emotionally capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of a guardian.
- Positive Influence: You need to show that you would be a positive role model and influence in the child’s life.
The court will evaluate these factors and make a decision based on the best interests of the child. If the biological parent(s) consent to your guardianship, the process is generally smoother. If the biological parents do not consent, guardianship might still be pursued if the parents are deemed unfit to care for the child.
2. You Claimed the Child Legally
If you signed the birth certificate or a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity, the situation becomes more complex. In many jurisdictions, even if a paternity test shows you are not the biological father, you may still be required to provide child support if you have previously acknowledged paternity. Reimbursement for past child support payments is usually not available. Some states offer a legal process to disestablish paternity, which can relieve you from future support obligations but often does not include reimbursement for past payments.
Disestablishing Paternity
Disestablishing paternity is a legal process that can be complex and varies by state. It typically involves:
- Filing a Petition: You will need to file a petition in family court to challenge paternity.
- Providing Evidence: You must provide evidence, including the results of the paternity test, to support your claim.
- Court Hearing: A court hearing will be held to review the evidence and make a determination.
- Legal Advice: Consulting with a family-law attorney is crucial to navigate this process effectively.
If You Are/Were Married to Your Partner
In cases where the child was born during your marriage, you are typically presumed to be the legal father. This presumption holds even if a paternity test reveals you are not the biological father. The emotional impact of this discovery can be profound, as it challenges the foundation of your relationship with the child.
Emotional Considerations
The emotional fallout from discovering you are not the biological father can be significant. Many men experience feelings of betrayal, anger, and confusion. It’s important to acknowledge and address these emotions, whether through counseling, support groups, or personal reflection. The decision to continue supporting and maintaining a relationship with the child, despite the paternity results, can be a deeply personal one.
Maintaining Relationships
For many fathers, the emotional bond with the child they have raised remains strong regardless of biological ties. In cases like Chris’s, where the child is the result of an affair but has known only one father figure, maintaining that relationship can be beneficial for the child’s emotional well-being. Many men choose to continue supporting and loving the child, recognizing that their role as a father extends beyond biological connections.
Confirm Paternity Before Signing Legal Documents
To avoid the complications of a negative paternity test result, it’s advisable to confirm paternity before signing legal documents such as birth certificates or Voluntary Acknowledgements of Paternity. This proactive approach helps prevent legal and emotional challenges down the line.
Prenatal Testing
Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing is an option for confirming paternity before the child is born. This test uses a blood sample from the mother and the alleged father to determine paternity with high accuracy. Early testing can provide clarity and prevent potential legal disputes or emotional distress.
Child Support After a Negative Paternity Test
Understanding your obligations regarding child support after a negative paternity test is crucial. In many jurisdictions, if you have legally acknowledged paternity, you may still be required to pay child support, even if a paternity test reveals you are not the biological father. However, some states have provisions for modifying or terminating child support obligations based on new evidence of paternity.
Modifying Child Support Obligations
To modify child support obligations, you typically need to:
- File a Motion: Submit a motion to the court requesting a modification of support obligations.
- Provide Evidence: Present the paternity test results and any other relevant evidence.
- Court Review: Attend a court hearing where a judge will review the evidence and make a decision.
- It’s important to consult with a family-law attorney to understand the specific procedures and requirements in your state.
Custody and Visitation Rights
Your rights to custody or visitation are generally not affected by a negative paternity test if you have been an active parent. Courts prioritize the child’s best interest, and maintaining a stable relationship with the child is often considered crucial. If you wish to pursue changes to custody or visitation arrangements, legal advice and court intervention may be necessary.
Addressing the Emotional Impact
Dealing with the emotional impact of a negative paternity test requires a thoughtful approach. Some strategies include:
- Counseling: Seeking therapy or counseling can help process emotions and provide support during this challenging time.
- Support Groups: Joining support groups for fathers or individuals in similar situations can offer valuable emotional support and guidance.
- Open Communication: If appropriate, communicate openly with the child’s mother or other involved parties to address any concerns or questions.
Maintaining a Healthy Relationship
For those who choose to remain involved in the child’s life, maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship is important. Focus on being a positive influence and providing emotional stability for the child, regardless of biological ties.
Receiving a negative paternity test result is a complex and multifaceted experience that can have significant legal, emotional, and practical implications. Understanding your options and taking appropriate steps can help you navigate this challenging situation. Whether you seek to maintain your role in the child’s life, address legal responsibilities, or challenge the results, consulting with legal and emotional support professionals can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if a paternity test shows I’m not the biological father?
If a paternity test reveals that you are not the biological father, the next steps depend on your legal and emotional situation. You may need to consult a family-law attorney to understand your legal obligations and rights. If you have been actively involved in the child’s life, you might want to explore options for legal guardianship or custody to maintain your relationship with the child.
2. Can a paternity test be wrong?
While paternity tests are highly accurate, errors can occur due to factors such as sample contamination or incorrect handling. However, such errors are rare. If you have concerns about the accuracy of the results, it may be advisable to undergo a second test or consult with a genetic counselor for further clarification.
3. What happens to child support obligations after a negative paternity test?
If a paternity test shows you are not the biological father, you may still be responsible for child support if you have previously acknowledged legal paternity. Some states allow for the disestablishment of paternity, which could end your obligation to pay child support, but reimbursement for past payments is generally not available. Consulting a family-law attorney can help you navigate this process.
4. What does a negative paternity test result look like?
A negative paternity test result indicates that the alleged father is not the biological parent of the child. The report typically shows a Combined Paternity Index (CPI) of zero or a very low value, and the conclusion section will state that the alleged father is “excluded” as the biological father.
5. What percentage of paternity tests are negative?
The percentage of paternity tests that return a negative result can vary. In general, a low percentage of tests are negative, especially when there is a high level of suspicion about the biological relationship. For specific statistics, you might refer to data from testing laboratories or research studies related to paternity testing.
I had a child with a woman several years ago, and had no reasons not to assume the child was mine. At about six months old, we parted ways, but due to the mother’s habits and history, I was awarded primary custody of the child with the mother retaining visitation and paying the very minimal state child support due to her lack of working. Just recently, mom contacted close friends of mine and informed them that the child is NOT, in fact, mine and bragged about how I’m now raising a child that naturally belongs to someone else. At this point, I’m over torn as the child is now 12 years old, but is just now exhibiting physical and mental traits that may overwhelmingly support the mother’s recent statements. Do I have a paternity test just so I know…and what sort of effects do most dads have to endure if they find out the child that they’ve raised for so long isn’t truly theirs?
Hi, Brian. What a tough situation to be in! After 12 years, I think you would agree the parental bond between you and your child is established whether or not you’re connected through DNA. Everyone handles these types of situations differently. It may be helpful to you to have a therapist or member of the clergy help you with the decision about whether or not to have a paternity test. If you decide you want a paternity test, all of us at DDC are ready to help. I wish you all the best.
I live in CT, Myself & my girlfriend have been together for almost 8 years, we recently had a baby girl whjo is 5 months old, my question is I suspect I might not be the father, I did sign a last name paper at the hospital, I’m thinking about getting a paternity test, if it’s negative (not the father) can I get the birth certificate changed to the mothers name & not claim responsibility??
Hi, Vincenzo. You may not be able to since you already signed an acknowledgment of paternity…that is a question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.
My child’s father signed his birth certificate and since we’ve broken up says that he not paying child support is he obligated to pay child support if he already signed the birth certificate he trying to figure out ways to prolong the process so now he wants a DNA test.
My child father did a dna on 15 of November .. never close the test or even fill out the paperwork in front of me … 5 days later told me she wasn’t his
Hi, Coco. Results of an at-home test cannot be used in court.
My soon to be ex husband is claiming my fiancé’s child is his even though there is absolutely no chance the baby is his and I have agreed to a dna test know this (he knows this too but he is trying to hurt us) he says even if the rest comes back negative he can and will claim the baby anyways because there is a law that says he can.
Hi, Sierra. Paternity law varies, but in most states, if you were still married at the time of conception and when the baby is born, then the man you are married to is considered the legal father of the child. You should probably contact a family-law attorney about possible solutions.
I got involved with a woman who told me she was done with her boyfriend. We had intercourse and then I found out she was pregnant, but then the bombshell news she also had done things with her “ex”
He walked in on her taking a pregnancy test the next day and immediately assumed it was his, and told his family. I was told that she was going to leave him for me but took several months of delaying it, always pushing it off for this or that.
She says no matter what the results are she wants me to be as much the dad, but it seems I’m only good enough to be the father privately, as she doesn’t want this perfect picture of this family portrait to be ruined.
She stayed with her boyfriend for months living there, I’d see her when he was at work. I was continually told she would leave him, she eventually did, but I’m still not publicly her boyfriend because she doesn’t want the backlash of that yet, let alone the idea I could very well be the father.
With COVID I can’t be in the delivery room, and she’s planning on staying at this guys house for the first two weeks after the baby. Meaning I won’t be able to really interact or see the baby.
What should I do? It’s hard enough trying to make things work as a couple considering he doesn’t know about me, and my only real entry here is as her boyfriend, since I’m not publicly the dad. He doesn’t have to worry about losing his role…
I said even if the results came back as mine I would want this person to be as much involved as me, since he’s as attached as I am. I want to be fair and gracious in this situation, but I feel like I’ve gave and gave so much so they can keep this illusion of a perfect family…
What are some things I should be aware of? I feel like if we break up my role is literally gone, since this guy has assumed the role of the dad publicly.
The baby has a few months before she’s here. I went to the gender reveal, but only as a guest…it made me feel so alone, I was almost invisible. I’ve felt invisible for the whole process. Didn’t get picked the name.
I asked her if I should walk away, she wants me to be a part of this but doesn’t want to do anything in the slightest to inconvenience this other person and his family.
I need a seat at the table too.
Hi, Bob. That sounds like a rough situation to be in. What I always recommend is that a man not commit to anything until a legal paternity test has been performed. This will protect you from future heartache. If she refuses, then you have two years to have it addressed through the courts. When you’re emotionally involved, it’s hard to face the reality that you may be getting played, so you have to do whatever you can to protect yourself financially. That baby may very well not be yours.
OK so I was with a girl for six years and she was still married we found out that she was pregnant and she always told me there was no doubt in her mind that I was the father and I believed I was also we booth before she became pregnant had a habbit that we booth became sober and stayed sober my daughter was born a bit over two years ago and a couple most this after we had her I became depressed and scared of not being good in her life this caused me to stay away from home now this is in no feeling of me not loving my daughter I love her with everything I am I would never fully abandon her but I ran from myself and stayed away from home so she would not feel my energy if this makes much sense the bond that connects me and her from her listibingvto my voice and feeling my touch as she grew in her moma is to me a very real and strong connection me and her momma seoerated and at first she did not keep her and I from eachither we got to get her a few times a week and it was going well but as time went on she started taking our time away and setting deadlines for me to make changes or she would take more time away to where she would as only letting me see her once a month for like an hour. I stays depressed never taught her or caused any disruption that would created stress or anger in either her or me for our daughters best interest so I followed what she wanted she promised me she would never take her out of my life or try to keep her away she knew I love my daughter to no end and would never put harm or do anything to lead or not be there for her but I was on my own in dealing with my depression an would not talk to me or let me go to her church she gave no slak forcing me to try and be strong enough to do it on my own for our daughter the more time she took and the mor she did not let me be involved in for her first years growing the more deoresed and lost I but can be t I never stooed trying to see her or be around her I asked and tried till I came for my visit last month it was great all three of us as usual had a great time my daughter as always was so excited to be with me and we put her to bed I went to leave she asked me to stay because a couple friends we’re coming to support her life through something she wanted to say they shows up and out of no where she said she had a dream that our daughter got sic she took her to the hospital and the doctor checked her out and said she was fine but she should know that the man you say is her father is not her father . so because of this dream she got a test online asked me if I would take it I agreed thinking there was no doubt she even told me she really did not doubt it rather but she said no Ben if it comes out as you ar not I want you to know I am not taking her out of your life or her from yours you will still be her papa if you still feel that way I of course would feel no different if I was not I. We were bonded from day one and will always be connected I know so I took the swab now I did not watch her swab my daughter she did that after I left the next day she said and she nt it off and she got the results last week which she said were not a positive that I was not her biological father it broke my heart some but yet I of as still happy beacus she is as still my daughter I’ve Ben her papa for two years and good owing in her belley for 8 months she and I love each other with out a doubt our bond will be there for ever but unexpectedly never in my mind was I ready for what she did after I went and met her at the park last weekend we had a amazing afternoon at the park I raked up a pile of leaves she had never jumped in a pile of leaves yet so I we rolls in them and laughs till it was time for them to head home I called her a couple days later trying to ask if I could see her again that I had a jacket and some other winter cloths to give her and she said no the next day she called me asking to talk to me and when I called she broke every bit of haoinessbi have in me she said that she has chose for her best interest to not have me in her life any longer that she talked to a councalor and they agreed and that I was basicly for the last two years just in her life as a fun play day and I was not a good role model for her to look up to or to teach her I. Good so I was. Not going to see her any more its best she does not want to confuse her beacus one day. She will be asking where her father is and who he is now why would she ever think that being show knows me as her papa from the minute she was born I helps pull her catch her wrap her and I held her to my bare chest crying even before her momma beacus she was loosing blood and not doing well I need to know what do I need to do to fight for my daughter to have each other stay in our lives her mommashould not be able to break us away this way is there another way I can have a test done that is for shire done right one that other whiteness or I witness me and her being swabd with out a doubt beacus I’m torn apart not having her in my life as I know she will be also what is her mama thinking she will never forget me and I am not some gie that does not want to be a good parent in her life I’ve got my obsticles I am fighting in my life but never have I put any of them I. Or around her more would I ever and I’m fighting for help with what I need to overcome doing things alone with out having lived ones standing with you and how lping you through things is not a easy struggle but I fight to do it and will do it what ar my opshions where can I start for awnsers I’ll do whatever I need to to have her in my life growing up anything I can just point me I. The place to start and I’ll put everything I’ve got into loving her through our lifes
Hi, Kalaeb. I suggest you contact a family-law attorney to help determine if you have a strong enough case to request paternity testing through the courts.
My girl friend and I had a baby. I worked away for weeks at a time. I signed the birth certificate because I believe her when she the baby was mine. Now looking at the baby at 10 months and the baby doesn’t look nothing like me. My girl friend has a son by another man and the baby looks just like her and her son. If I get a DNA and the baby is not mine do I have to pay child support.
Hi, XDA. Physical characteristics are subjective and therefore are never absolute proof of relationship. Only DNA can tell for sure. Paternity law varies, but in many cases the court will sustain a judgment for child support no matter the outcome because in signing the birth certificate you took legal responsibility for the child. You should contact a family-law attorney for options.
My daughter is 23 . Her mother and I separated when she was 10 months old . I fought and won custody of her and her 2 year old brother ( he was 5 when I won custody ) I raised her with my 2nd wife ( We got together 4 years after the initial separation , no funny business ) Well the other day , my daughters results came back from an ancestry site . I have had mine for a couple of years . Well low and behold , It appears I’m not her biological father . Spent the last 2 days crying and wanting to curl up in a ball and die . Has anyone else experienced this and if so , how did you get through it ?
Oh Jim, I’m so sorry to hear that. There are support groups for NPE (Not Parent Expected) on web sites as well as on Facebook. There are lots of folks out there just like you, I promise.
Thank you . My daughter and I will get through this together . It is still very new to us . Her Mom lives 3,000 miles away and both of my kids on saw her on occasion . Both went to live with her when they were teens but it was short lived .
Ex wife is still claiming her innocence . I’m leaving it up to my daughter if she wants a DNA test or not . Still love her the same no matter what
Jim, you hit the nail on the head. Being a great dad has very little to do with DNA. I wish you and your daughter all the very best and a very loving future together. This blog might help you: https://tests.dnacenter.com/blog/what-is-dna-npe-and-how-can-facebook-help/
Hi, Found out that I Have a 3 year old daughter saw a picture of her, she looked just like me and I did a test with her and the mother. She’s mine, however the current Legal fathers name is on the birth certificate and also has custody over her. I have just found out about this and want the opportunity to raise my biological daughter. We haven’t contacted him yet I just don’t know what the best course of action is since I never had the chance to be there or had any say in this matter. It all happened without my knowledge until just now. I want the opportunity to give my child what I never had growing up. Is there anything I can do? (State: CA)
Hi, Jordan. Since paternity law varies by state, I suggest you contact a California family-law attorney to see what your options are.
My husband who is deceased had a son . She was pregnant and they were married about 1 year. My husband always doubted he was the father. His son who is now 43 , was told by his mother that my husband was not his father. Can I take her to court to get back child support? My husband did get custody when he was 15.
Hi, Judy. That is a question best answered by a family-law attorney near you, since paternity law varies from state to state. Good luck!