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Paternity
Can I get DNA testing for child support after eight years?

Can I get DNA testing for child support after eight years?

Q: Can a DNA test stop child support?

Yes, if a DNA test proves that you are not the biological father of the child, it may allow you to stop child support payments. In Pennsylvania, you can request a paternity test even after years of paying support. If the test shows you are not the father, you can file a motion to terminate your child support obligation.

Q: How to avoid getting child support?

To avoid child support, you would need to demonstrate that you are not the biological parent of the child, typically through a DNA test. If paternity is established, you may not be able to avoid child support obligations. Seeking legal advice is crucial to understand your options based on your specific circumstances.

Q: Do you get put on child support if you get a DNA test?

Getting a DNA test does not automatically place you on child support. However, if the test establishes that you are the biological father, you may be legally obligated to pay child support. It's important to understand your rights and responsibilities before proceeding with a paternity test.

Full question:

I have been paying child support for 8 years for a daughter I'm not sure is mine. I would like to get DNA testing to know if she is mine. Is it too late? Depending on outcome I would like to either a. stop paying, or b. get visitation. 2. If I get married, will the court take into consideration my new wife's income in establishing amount of child support?

Category: Paternity
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Pennsylvania

Answer:

In Pennsylvania, you can file a paternity action up to 18 years after the child's birth. If the child lives in another state, that state's laws may apply.

If you are paying child support and your ex-spouse has a child with your new spouse, this may reduce your child support payments because the court considers the best interests of all children involved. Additionally, if your new spouse's income is available to cover your living expenses, it might lead to an increase in child support payments, as the court may see that you have more personal income available.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How to tell if a child is yours without a DNA test?

Without a DNA test, paternity can sometimes be established through legal documents like birth certificates, marriage records, or acknowledgment of paternity forms. Additionally, factors such as the child's resemblance to you, your relationship with the mother, and any statements made by the mother regarding paternity may also play a role. However, the most definitive way to confirm paternity is through DNA testing.

Can a DNA test stop child support?

How to avoid getting child support?

Do you get put on child support if you get a DNA test?

Does the state pay child support if the father doesn't?

In general, the state does not pay child support on behalf of a father who does not fulfill his obligations. However, if a father is unable to pay due to financial hardship, he may be able to request a modification of the support order. Each state has its own processes for handling such situations, so it's important to consult local laws.

What is the Minnesota law on child support?

In Minnesota, child support is determined based on the parents' income and the needs of the child. The state has guidelines that help calculate the amount of support. If paternity is established, parents are legally obligated to support their child until age 18 or until they graduate high school, whichever is later. For specific details, consult Minnesota Statutes § 518A.

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