If you are seeking child support from an individual whom you believe is your child’s father but neither of you are certain of this, you will want to arrange to have a paternity test done to either confirm or deny your claims. If you are able to identify that this person is, in fact, your child’s father, you can then proceed on and initiate a child support order so they can provide you with the financial support your child is entitled to receive.
How is paternity established and I am responsible for paying for the test?
According to the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), a DNA sample from the potential father, the child, and his/her mother is collected and sent in to a laboratory. The test will compare “different details of the child’s sample with similar details in the man’s sample and the mother’s sample.” Once the samples are collected and sent away for testing, it will show one of two results:
- The man is not the father of your child.
- The test is 99.9% certain that the man is the biological father of your child.
Now, you may or may not be responsible for paying for the paternity test. If you and the other “parent” wish to make private arrangements with the hospital or a paternity testing laboratory, you can do so but will be responsible for paying for the test. However, if you choose to receive help from Child Support Enforcement, then they will cover the cost associated with having the testing done. DCFS does say that the court may require the father to pay for the paternity testing if paternity is established.
What happens once paternity is established?
Once you have identified who the father of your child is, you can either have the DCFS assist you in starting a child support order or you can turn to the child support lawyers here at Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf for help. Some of the benefits you get when you elect to hire one of our lawyers as opposed to working directly with DCFS include:
- You get fast and immediate assistance.
The DCFS is responsible for overseeing various family-related matters, including establishing and enforcing child support orders. However, because the agency is available to help hundreds and thousands of Louisiana residents, they often cannot provide you with the attention you might want or need. You may also struggle to get clear and concise information. Fortunately, this isn’t an issue you will be faced with when working with our office.
- You have a legal professional you can contact with questions or concerns at any time.
At Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf, we put you as our main priority when we take on your case, no matter how big or small it may be. We understand how important it is for you to receive the child support you and your kids need which is why we will work diligently to ensure it is provided.
- We are prepared to take action should we encounter a noncompliant parent who doesn’t want to pay child support.
Whether you need to establish paternity, need assistance with enforcing a current child support order, or are dealing with another issue relating to child support, our skills and knowledge is more than enough to provide you with the assistance you are seeking and/or needing.
Now, if you live in or nearby to Baton Rouge, LA and would like to schedule an initial consultation to find out more about our office and the various services we provide, contact us today at 225-343-2205.
You can reach Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf at:
3960 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
Website: www.mlhlaw.com