Conyers, GA asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Georgia

Q: How do I proceed?

I recently had a judge grant me a paternity test (at my expense) for my ex’s legitimatization case. I wasn’t given any paperwork when I was at court, and am not sure my next steps. The testing site must be one that can be used in a court. Do I need to just find a testing site, get us (my son & I) swabbed, and notify his attorney of where the testing is at?? I’m lost. Please help.

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3 Lawyer Answers
Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Dacula, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: The best advice I can give you is to hire an attorney. We can't see the order the court signed for testing. Therefore, we can't give you instructions on how to proceed regarding having the test completed. The father has an attorney, which means you need an attorney. Because I'm sure the father is asking for certain custody & visitation to be awarded to him, and you also want to make sure that the child support you end up with is accurate. Part of obtaining an accurate child support order is gathering the right documents from the opposing party to calculate his gross monthly income. There's a lot that needs to be done and its unlikely you have ever represented yourself in this kind of case and can easily learn how to prepare for trial. Seek counsel ASAP. Good luck to you.

Terri Herron
Terri Herron
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Roswell, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: I would make sure I have the Judge sign the Order granting the Paternity test. Otherwise, the other side may not show up for testing. At least with an order there’s something that requires them to comply. Also, get an Attorney. I always advise that, but especially if the other party has an Attorney.

Regina Irene Edwards
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Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: That is the correct procedure for the DNA test.

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