Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
I am being asked by my ex-girlfriend's lawyer to submit to a paternity test for my 19 month old daughter, even though I willingly admit she is mine, and I will pay child support for her. Am I still legally obligated to undergo the paternity test?
3 Answers from Attorneys
You do not necessarily have to comply with their wishes but they can file the request with the court and a Judge can order you to undergo such a test.
The decision is yours.. but, given the responsibility that you will face as father of this child and your obligations under the law, though you feel she is yours, it may be a good idea to submit to testing so that you may know for sure.
Yes you can be ordered to do the DNA testing by the Court.
If you are on the birth certificate or have already been adjudicated to be the father, you don't not have to take the test. And, of course, the test is only voluntary if a judge hasn't ordered it yet. A judge will order the test once a paternity case is filed by either of you unless you are on the birth certificate.