There are three methods for establishing paternity in child support cases
Paternity must be established in child support cases and may be established in one of these ways:
Genetic Testing
A buccal swab test will be performed on the child, mother and alleged father(s) to determine paternity.
Failure to cooperate in testing with the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) may result in court action, public assistance sanctions, or dismissal of the case.
Acknowledgment
By completing and signing an affidavit, an individual admits to being a child’s biological parent.
An affidavit may be signed at the time of birth or at the CSEA by both parents. The signatures must be notarized. Parties have 60 days from the date of signing to cancel the affidavit.
Marriage
Paternity is considered established if parties are married at the time of the child’s birth or if the child is born within 300 days of a divorce.
