Establishing paternity is the process of determining the legal father of a child. When parents are married, in most cases, paternity is established without legal action. If parents are unmarried, paternity establishment requires a court order. The process should be started by both parents as soon as possible for the benefit of the child. The tests exclude men who are not the father and indicate the likelihood of paternity of a man who is not excluded.
Blood tests are very reliable, which is why so few paternity cases go to trial.
Despite the blood tests, the alleged father still says he is not the father. If the blood tests show that it is likely that he is the father, the matter will be set for a hearing or trial and paternity will be decided. If the issue of paternity is to be tried, then the FSD will have to do additional investigation to prepare for trial. If the alleged father is found and served a formal complaint, the local court will make a decision on the paternity question. At the same time, a court order to pay child support may be issued.