Boca Raton, Fl Paternity Attorney Eric N. Klein

Paternity Testing

An accredited laboratory will charge between $400 and $2,000 for paternity testing. The price varies by region and type of testing you prefer. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that the facility have accreditation by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks). Results can be obtained within 5 days.

In most states, an unmarried couple is required to fill out an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) which legally establishes parenthood for the father. Until this is filled out, the document will be left blank if the mother was unmarried at the time of the conception. The AOP is then transferred to the Bureau of Vital statistics for recording.

If the identity of the father remains questionable, it is recommended that paternity testing be done as soon as possible. There is 60 day period after the AOP is filed within an objection can be made. A paternity test may be done, and the results may amend the AOP if need be. However, if the 60 day period has passed, the father listed will be held legally responsible regardless if the man is the biological father.

If the mother is married to a man who is not the father of the baby, the biological father is required to fill out an AOP to be named the legal father. The husband of the mother must also sign a denial to paternity of the child. Without naming a father, the baby’s rights are not fully protected.

For assistance in naming a legal father, call the Florida paternity attorneys at the law of Eric N. Klein by dialing 561-353-2800 today.