How Do I Prove Paternity in Washington if the Father is Deceased?
Full Question:
Answer:
We're assuming that the parents were unmarried. Paternity may be established through filing a paternity action and having genetic testing ordered by the court. A court will not automatically order paternity tests simply because a paternity action has been filed. It will review the petition to determine if there is sufficient information contained therein to warrant or justify the compelling of such a test. If the court orders a paternity test, the mother, child, and the DNA of the alleged father will all be tested at a court-designated facility. A court determination of paternity is final, and a copy of the court's order will be needed to establish the child's rights, both present and future.
Please see the following WA statute:
RCW 26.26.440
Genetic testing -- Deceased individual.
For good cause shown, the court may order genetic testing of a deceased individual.
