Over the years, it has become more apparent and recognized by both the scientific and medical community as well as the courts, that the father plays a vital role in a child’s life. Decades ago, it was believed that the maternal nurturing of a child was most important, and that the father’s traditional family role was that of bread-winner. Times and gender roles have evolved however, and now, more than ever, courts are making certain that a father’s rights are honored, both for the benefit of the father, as well as the child.

When a child is born, if he or she is born in a marriage, it is assumed that the husband is the father and is listed on the child’s birth certificate. If a child is born outside of a marriage and the child’s father is not certain, a simple paternity test can reveal whether a man is the father of the child. The test involves a simple swab cell sample taken from the inner cheek.

With more advanced technology, DNA testing is inexpensive and very reliable, with a 99 percent accuracy. The DNA test will first compare the genetic characteristics of the child with that of the mother. The characteristics that do not match the mother are then associated as characteristics of the father. Then when the man provides his DNA sample, the remaining characteristics are compared with that of the child. If the characteristics match, the probably is calculated.

There are many benefits to protecting Men’s and Fathers’ Rights, including the resolution of possible issues concerning custody and visitation rights, health care for the child, inheritance, and even adoption.

Source: findlaw.com, “Paternity: Introduction,” Dec. 24, 2016