Maitland Paternity Attorney
Guidance from Our Maitland Family Lawyer
A paternity case in the state of Florida is a lawsuit to determine the natural and legal father of a minor child and to confer the rights and duties of a parent. The determination of paternity is of paramount importance, since the court cannot issue an order against the father unless the paternity of the father is established.
Do you need legal help in a paternity action? Contact the Maitland paternity attorneys at The Troum Law Firm, P.A., for help today.
Types of Blood Tests Used to Determine Paternity
There are several different ways to establish whether an alleged father is the natural and legal father of the minor child.
The most common and most accurate form of evidence is blood testing. There are two types of blood tests commonly used in the state of Florida:
- The HLA test or Human Leukocyte Antigen blood test, which, under Florida law, if an HLA test determines that the statistical probability of paternity is 95% or greater, there is a rebuttable presumption that the man tested is the biological father
- DNA testing the genetic code of the child compared to that of the mother and father. Since the child inherits one-half of his or her genetic material from each of the parents, a comparison can be made to determine whether the alleged father is the biological father
Cost of Paternity Blood Tests
The costs associated with either form of blood testing is about the same. Sometimes the issue of who should pay for the blood test is raised. Normally, the petitioning mother pays the initial cost of the blood tests; however, in the event that the alleged father is determined to be the biological parent, the court has the ability to order the father to reimburse the costs of the blood tests to the mother.
In other instances the parties agree to share the costs of the initial blood tests. If the alleged father is determined to be the biological father, he would then reimburse the mother for her share of the costs. If the alleged father is determined not to be the biological father, then the mother would reimburse his share of the costs.
Questions About DNA Tests & Paternity Issues? Call Us!
Maitland family attorney, Mark S. Troum is happy to answer your DNA test, paternity, child custody, divorce, or other family law questions and provide more details on what he can accomplish for you.
Call our Maitland firm at 321-428-2247 to schedule an initial consultation.
