Can the potential father force me into a paternity test so that he can be involved?
Full Question:
Answer:
A child born to parents who are not married to each other has the same rights under the law as a child born to parents who are married to each other. For example, the duty of support and right to inherit of a child is the same whether the parents are married or not.
A man alleging to be the father may bring a proceeding to determine paternity. A court may order genetic testing if the man alleging paternity and states facts establishing a reasonable probability of the requisite sexual contact between the individuals. If the child has a presumed father, the paternity action must typically be brought before the child turns 5 years old. Otherwise, if no presumed father exists, it may be filed any time before the child becomes an adult. Then, only the child can file a paternity action after becoming an adult.