Arizona law generally allows unmarried mothers and fathers to have custody or visitation rights. However, if a child’s parents are not married, paternity must be established before granting a father parental rights to a child. In some cases, paternity will be acknowledged voluntarily. However, it’s also possible that a paternity test will be needed to determine the identity of a child’s father.
How paternity tests work
A genetic sample is taken from the child’s mother and father to determine if there is a match. As test results are 99.9% accurate, the court will usually assume that they are correct when making a custody ruling. However, Arizona law does allow parties to challenge test results if either party believes that the test is inaccurate or wasn’t performed properly.
Ordering extra tests
According to Arizona law, a challenge must be made promptly and on what the court deems reasonable grounds. A second test can either be performed by the same lab that did the first test or by another of the challenging party’s choosing. The party that issues such a contest in a child custody case is typically responsible for paying any costs associated with the extra test.
In addition to spending more time with a child, obtaining custody or visitation rights means that you have a greater say over how your son or daughter is raised. It also means that your child has access to your medical history as well as the right to inherit property after you pass. A judge may compel you to take a paternity test if you fail to do so on your own.