Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

About 39 years ago I may have fathered a baby . Now that girl wants a DNA test . I am in Washington state and wondered if I could be court ordered to do this ?


Asked on 1/02/17, 9:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

It depends. Where is the girl living now? Where was she born? In what state did you think she was conceived? Unless there is a claim against you for unpaid child support, which seems rather unlikely after all this time, you probably have no obligation to participate in a DNA test unless you agree to it. Some states can suspend the statute of limitations on unpaid child support claims if it is alleged that you absconded or left the state to avoid paying child support. I really do not have enough facts to properly answer your question. Is the request for a DNA test to establish paternity for the purposes of health history or some other reason? The DNA test could also establish this woman as your lawful heir under the probate laws of Washington State. That would mean you would have to have a Will which mentions her and either provides for her or disinherits her, If you did not take this DNA test and then died in the future, it may still be possible for her to establish she is your heir if her mother is alive at that time and she and the mother take a DNA test or the mother's DNA was established before she dies, then your would-be daughter may be able to establish that she is your heir. You need to speak with an attorney because this situation has several different legal aspects that could have a very significant impact on your life and your present family, including your wife and children, if any. Good Luck!

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Answered on 1/03/17, 10:17 am


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