• 20
  • April
    2011

Outside of Texas, there have been some recent changes regarding paternity testing. Over-the-counter genetic testing kits have been released for sale in New York and new legislation has been introduced in Kansas that would require paternity testing for every alleged new father.

Usually discovering you are fathering a child is a joyous occasion, but for some men and women it can lead to difficult questions with serious consequences. Paternity tests allow men to legally prove or disprove that they are the father of a child. Paternity tests are essential in protecting your rights when facing child support obligations.

Over-The-Counter Paternity Test

The Identigene OTC genetic testing kit, has recently been made available in Duane Reade drugstores across New York. The company is the first to be certified to distribute the tests by the New York Department of Health.

The kit allows consumers to submit samples of DNA after notifying an "authorizing agent," such as a physician or attorney. Samples are collected by an "authorized collector" and are analyzed by Identigene with results completed in five days.

Identigene claims that the OTC system is more economical than the traditional physician-administered tests. The kits are $29.99, lab fees run around $149 and additional fees are required to cover collection and authorization.

New Kansas Paternity Testing Bill

Earlier this month Kansas State Representative Melody McCray Miller (D-Witchita) announced she is sponsoring a new bill that would require fathers or alleged fathers of every baby born in Kansas to submit to a paternity test.

McCray said she intended the bill to help men who wish to know for sure if they are the father of a child. The bill also will ensure that the correct parents will be responsible for the child and paying child support.

Though McCray admitted that she is unaware of the financial repercussions the testing will have on the public, she told the Hutchinson News that the cost will not be added on to patients' hospital bill.

Many citizens in Kansas are concerned that the costs of the required paternity testing will fall on their shoulders as taxpayers. It is currently unknown who exactly will be covering the costs and how much it is estimated to cost the state.

Paternity Issues in Texas

In Texas child support matters, paternity is of paramount importance. The establishment of paternity, or the proof that one is not the father, has a direct impact on support obligations. Paternity tests can be voluntary or court-ordered. For more information contact a Houston family law attorney.