Can I force my child’s father to take a DNA test?
Yes, you can compel someone you think is the father of your child to submit to a DNA test as part of a paternity case. Similarly, if you are the father you can compel the mother to,submit herself and the child to a DNA test.
If the alleged parent refuses to submit to the test voluntarily, you will need to get a court order that requires the alleged parent to submit to the test. Your request for a court order requiring the testing must include facts establishing a reasonable probability of the required sexual contact. The court could deny your request if the other side can prove that the sexual contact was not possible.
In my experience, most requests for DNA testing are granted. An example of a denial would be if a mother alleged that the sexual contact occurred in June, but the alleged father proved that he was at sea in the Navy during June or when the child was conceived.
