Question: I have 2 children with my soon to be ex-wife and would like to know if I should demand a paternity test. ~ Pissed in Dallas
Answer: Without more information it is hard to know. Some factors you may consider are:
1) How old are the children?
– It does not matter how old the children are when performing the paternity test; however, regardless of the reasons there are emotions involved. It will be easier on the child if they are fairly young and might possibly not remember that you questioned their DNA relationship to you.
2) Do you really believe your wife cheated on you?
– If your answer is no than it is my experience that you really need to ask yourself what are the reasons for the paternity test. Is it only piece of mind? Would you be able to be a good father by not taking a paternity test? Tennessee a couple years ago was considering making a paternity test required for fathers to mentioned on the birth certificate because it was estimated that 25% of children had the wrong father listed on the birth certificate and it was costing tax payer’s money in the long-run.
3) Do you know the laws in your state?
– This is very important. Did you know that in some states blood relation does not play a factor in whether the ex-husband has to pay child support? If the ex-husband filled the role of the father for the child for a certain period of time then the state considered that person financially responsible for the child until they turned 18yrs old.
4) Is your anger with your soon to be ex-wife worth possibly hurting your relationship with the children in question?
– You may not realize this at the time, but asking for a paternity test will never be kept a secret. Anonymous paternity tests are available, but anonymity is only as good as the participants allow it to be. Children will often go through a period of feeling rejected regardless the outcome of the paternity test.






