4 reasons you should take a paternity test

Few relationships are more meaningful than the bond between parent and child. If you are lucky, you know you are the father of the young one in your life. Unfortunately, though, it can be difficult to be certain. Thanks to modern science, you can likely clear up uncertainty by taking a paternity test.

Paternity testing generally comes in two forms. With an unofficial test, you use an agency to help you determine paternity. An official test, on the other hand, usually has legal weight. Here are four reasons why you may want to take a paternity test.

1. You care about the child

Being a child is not easy. While there is no simple way to grow up, children should not have to worry about who their parents are. If your child has questions, a paternity test may answer them.

2. You have doubts

Infidelity can ruin otherwise happy relationships. If your partner was unfaithful, you may have lingering doubts about paternity. These doubts may prevent you from being an effective father. To achieve peace of mind, you may decide to request a paternity test.

3. You want to protect your financial interests

You go to work every day to provide for yourself and your family. While you would never dream of shirking your fatherly responsibilities, you probably do not want to pay for someone else’s child. If you want to avoid child support payments, proving you are not the father may be your best option.

4. You want to comply with a court order

Louisiana law requires fathers to take responsibility for their children. If you are in the middle of a custody or other dispute, a judge may order you to submit to a paternity test. You must take this order seriously. Failing to comply with the instructions of a judge may put you in legal jeopardy. That is, if a judge holds you in contempt of court, you may spend some time behind bars.

Choosing whether to take a paternity test is a deeply personal decision. While you may not like the outcome of the test, taking one may be an effective way to move forward with your life.