A: Paternity testing is a scientific way to determine the biological parents

of a child. DNA paternity testing examines genetic material from a child and compares it to that of the mother and alleged father. While the word paternity refers to father, a mother or other close relative can also be identified by DNA testing.

Q: Who benefits from paternity testing?

A: Paternity testing is most often used for: child support, peace of mind, custody and visitation rights, inheritance rights, immigration, establishing statutory rape or incest, or establishing the biological family of an adopted child.