+ What if the child's father denies he is the father, or says he's not sure?

• Either parent can ask the child support enforcement agency (CSEA) to conduct genetic testing. The Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit form should not be used unless both parents are certain that the man listed on the form is the biological father.

+ What is genetic testing?

• A genetic test, also called a DNA test, can determine if the alleged father is the biological father. The test is 99.9% accurate in determining the probability that a man is the biological father.

+ What happens if I am not sure who the father is?

• The child support enforcement agency will pursue the male that you provide the most information on first so that he can either be identified as the father or excluded through genetic testing.

+ How is genetic testing done?

• The genetic, or DNA test, is administered by collecting samples, which are sent to a laboratory to compare the details from the child’s sample with similar traits in the man’s and mother’s sample. In most cases, a buccal swab of the cheek is taken from the mother, child, and alleged father.

+ What will the genetic test show?

• The test will show with 99.9% certainty that a man is or is not the biological father of the child.

+ Is the test painful?

• Not at all. In most cases, a buccal swab of the cheek is taken from the mother, child, and alleged father. The swab consists of a gentle swab of the inside of each cheek and takes less than a minute.

+ How old does my child need to be to have genetic testing?

• Genetic testing can be performed on children as young as newborns by utilizing a buccal swab test. The swab consists of a gentle swab of the inside of each cheek and takes less than a minute.

+ If the genetic test shows there is a 99% probability that a man is the biological father, can the man be the father without going to the court?

• No, genetic testing alone does not establish legal fatherhood. An administrative or court order based on genetic testing results can establish legal fatherhood.

+ Who is responsible for the fee of the genetic test?

• When genetic testing hasn't been previously performed and is ordered by the child support enforcement agency (CSEA), it is paid for by the CSEA. When the court orders genetic testing, the court may order the person that requested the genetic testing to pay for it. However, parents receiving services through the Office of Family Assistance or Protective Services or found to be indigent may not be ordered to pay for genetic testing. The cost for these tests is relatively inexpensive. You should discuss this with the CSEA.

+ Where can I request genetic testing?

• Genetic testing may be obtained through the county child support enforcement agency (CSEA). After getting the results of the genetic tests, the CSEA will issue an order of establishment or non-establishment of paternity. The CSEA can also submit paperwork to change the child’s birth certificate accordingly. To find the CSEA in your county, call 1-800-686-1556 or use the online ODJFS County Directory.

+ A parent is out of state. How can I get genetic testing?

• A party may contact the child support enforcement agency (CSEA) in his/her county for assistance in obtaining genetic testing when a parent lives out of state. To find the CSEA in your county, call 1-800-686-1556 or use the online ODJFS County Directory.