I suspect a child isn’t mine. What should I do?

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Carlos Lopez

No matter how hard you try to fight them, the doubts are still there. You aren’t sure that a child presented to you as yours actually is yours.

Of course you’re confused, upset, and hurt, wondering whether or not this child you’re caring for is your blood.

How to deal with finding out your child is not yours?

So, you are handling the revelation that the child in question is not biologically related to you and probably this can result in quite a strong emotion.

As a first measure, it is imperative to engage in professional counseling, not just for yourself but also for your partner.

Although the journey of navigating this situation can present difficulties, with the correct assistance, it can transform into a chance for personal development and introspection for both parts.

From a legal perspective, understanding your privileges and obligations as a parent is too important. This can differ greatly based on the jurisdiction’s laws for your Estate and the specifics of the situation (tell everything to your lawyer about it).

In certain instances, legally establishing a connection with a non-biological child may be feasible, whereas in other circumstances, seeking alternative solutions such as adoption may be necessary, it is a situation that you need to think clear.

Regardless of the situation, engaging the services of a proficient family law attorney is crucial to comprehending your available choices and making informed decisions.

You should also read:I’ve lost my job. What does that mean for child support in 2023?

This legal expert can guide you through the legal system, secure the protection of your rights and interests, and provide resources and support to help you through this trying period.

With expert guidance and support, you can forge ahead and establish a positive and satisfying future for yourself and your loved ones.

What should you do now?

First, get a specialized lawyer in Washington D.C.

If you even have an inkling that a child isn’t yours, whether or not the child has been born yet, speak with an attorney.

An attorney can help guide you through the steps you need to take to determine paternity and go through any potential court proceedings in the future.

While you may be hesitant to go to the expense of hiring an attorney, realize that they are your advocate throughout this whole process. 

The attorney can help you communicate with your child’s other parent and can help get the paternity testing process moving faster if the other parent refuses.

---

File for paternity

When it comes to finding who is responsible for paying child support, spending time with a child, and other matters, the courts take the job very seriously.

Filing for paternity is the first step toward getting this process settled.

The court will compel a paternity test of the child – though this may be at your expense depending on circumstances – so that they can find the true father.

You should also read:Parenting Plan Considerations for Parents of Special-Needs Children

This isn’t going to be a quick process, so don’t go in expecting to find out right away and close the book on this chapter.

Take the paternity test

Depending on the type of test, you may have to submit saliva or blood to be tested against the child’s DNA to determine if you’re related.

You may have to go into a lab or doctor’s office to get your sample collected, so be sure to cooperate with any requests made of you in the process.

Accuracy of paternity tests

Paternity tests are highly reliable, with an accuracy of paternity tests often exceeding 99.99%.

This high degree of precision stems from the analysis of numerous DNA markers, providing a definitive answer to paternity queries.

What if paternity test is negative

A negative paternity test suggests the man tested is not the child’s biological father. This can cause relief, bewilderment, annoyance, or grief.

Understand your emotions and get expert treatment if needed. You should also be honest with everyone, including the youngster if they can understand.

Negative paternity tests can have legal consequences. Although you may not be the biological parent, many countries recognize you as the child’s father if you’ve been supporting him.

You need legal guidance to comprehend your situation. Negative paternity tests may not eliminate your child duties.

Accept the results

No matter what you feel before you take a test, there’s a chance that the results you get on whether or not you are the child’s parent aren’t the results you want.

You should also read:Why it’s important to prove paternity

If you are the child’s biological parent, then you will continue through the court process to establish a visitation schedule, child support, and who makes the decisions regarding education, religion, and medical care.

This can be a very long process, and one that may be full of emotions and tension.

Do your best to keep the child’s best interests first and your ego second.

If the paternity test shows that you are not the child’s biological parent, then you have a decision to make.

You may, if you’ve got a history of caring for and providing for the child, be able to get some form of visitation going forward.

For older children with whom you already have an established relationship, you may need to put your hurt feelings aside and continue to care for, love, and raise the child.

In some cases, your contact with the child may cease entirely, whether that’s through your choice or a court’s decision. This may be a relief, or it may be devastating to you. 

Find some help

Whether or not the results come in the way you were expecting them to, you likely have some lingering thoughts and feelings.

It’s best for you, long-term, to find someone who can help you work through these feelings in a healthy, productive way.

A therapist, religious leader, or even a trusted family member or friend can be a listening ear for your difficulties and can help you brainstorm ways to work through your hurt, anger, and confusion.

Don’t stew in your negative feelings. Find the positive – no matter what the result – and move forward with your life.

You should also read:How does domestic violence affect child custody?

Paying child support for a child that is not yours

Learning you’ve financially supported a child not biologically yours can be a jarring realization. Immediate action paired with legal counsel is paramount in safeguarding both your rights and financial stability.

Often, child support hinges on presumed paternity, implying responsibility if you’re recognized as the father legally, even without biological ties.

Believing you’re supporting a non-biological child? Prioritize obtaining a paternity test. This precise DNA comparison confirms biological relations.

Engaging a seasoned family law specialist ensures the testing process remains above board.

A confirmation of non-paternity might enable you to contest the child support order. But maneuvering through this intricate legal terrain necessitates expert representation.

Given the diverse legal stances on paternity and child support across regions, a local family law expert is indispensable.

Acting swiftly is of the essence. Procrastinating challenges to paternity or child support could erode legal entitlements, complicating adjustments to support commitments.

Through timely legal counsel and action, you’re better poised to align support duties with justice and accuracy.

What Happens If You Sign a Birth Certificate and You Are Not the Father?

Signing a birth certificate is considered a legally binding acknowledgment of paternity. If you sign the birth certificate and you’re not the biological father, you’ll be taking on legal responsibility for the child.

This means you’ll be accountable for child support, medical expenses, and other financial responsibilities until the child reaches legal adulthood, generally at 18 years of age.

You should also read:How can parents win child custody cases? [Full Guide]

Moreover, you’ll have the same rights as a biological parent.

These can include rights to custody and visitation, rights to inheritance, and rights to make decisions about the child’s upbringing.

However, it’s important to remember that once you sign the birth certificate, it’s very difficult to remove your name later, even if a DNA test proves you’re not the biological father.

In many jurisdictions, the law assumes that the man who signs the birth certificate is the child’s biological father, even if he is not.

This is called the “presumption of paternity“. In such cases, the man may be required to provide financial support for the child even if he later discovers he’s not the biological father.

Paternity fraud (what happens if i find out my child is not mine)

Paternity fraud refers to a type of paternal discrepancy where a man is incorrectly identified as the biological father of a child.

This situation can occur under various circumstances, such as when a mother knowingly or unknowingly misidentifies a man as the father of her child.

It’s a serious issue that can have significant emotional, financial, and legal implications and you need to handle such cases with utmost sensitivity and discretion.

When paternity fraud is suspected, the first recommended step is to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

It’s crucial to communicate your concerns in a non-accusatory manner, as direct accusations can lead to conflict and emotional distress. Here, the use of diplomacy and tact is of utmost importance.

You should also read:6 reasons for make a will if you have children

If the doubts about paternity persist after the conversation, the next step might be getting a paternity test (DNA paternity test).

This test can provide a definitive answer about biological paternity. It’s advisable to consult with a legal advisor before proceeding with this step because laws regarding paternity testing vary widely around the world.

In some jurisdictions, paternity testing without the mother’s consent can lead to legal repercussions.

• Always approach the matter with consideration and respect for all those involved.
• Explore all the options available, including counselling, legal advice, and DNA testing.
• Remember that the child’s welfare should be the top priority in any decisions made.

The problem of paternity fraud can present significant challenges and intricacies for individuals to overcome. It is imperative to bear in mind that each scenario possesses its own distinct characteristics, hence precluding the existence of a universally applicable solution.

It is highly advisable to obtain expert guidance and assistance in order to optimize the outcome for all individuals concerned.

Can you sue if a child is not yours?

Discovering that a child you believed was yours is not can be a devastating revelation. One of the questions that arises in such a situation is: Can you sue if a child is not yours?

The answer is not simple, as it depends on various circumstances, including the laws in your jurisdiction, your relationship with the child and the mother, and the timing of the discovery.

Generally, a man can sue for paternity fraud if he can prove that the mother intentionally misled him regarding the child’s true paternity.

Judges carefully consider the impact on the child when making decisions about paternity, child support, and custody.

Even if you can prove that the child is not biologically yours, if you have acted as a parent for a significant amount of time, the court may consider you the child’s “psychological parent”, and you may still have obligations toward the child.

You should also read:Drug Abuse in Child Custody Cases: How to Protect Your Child’s Best Interests

Moreover, it’s important to note that laws vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. In some places, you may have limited time to challenge paternity, particularly if you were married to the mother when the child was born.

In such cases, a delay in taking action could mean that you are legally presumed to be the father and responsible for child support, even if the child is not biologically yours.

Compassionate help for paternity cases in Washington, D.C.

Wondering whether or not a child is biologically yours is one of the worst feelings in the world. You need a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney to guide you through the process of determining paternity and taking the next steps forward.

At Lopez Law Firm, our team helps you every step of the way, advocating for you the whole time. Schedule your consultation today!