What is “proof of paternity?
” Proof of paternity means testing a man to prove that he is the father of a child. The word paternity means origin or descent from a father. What is paternity testing? Paternity testing is a procedure that involves collecting and examining the DNA of a small sample of bodily fluid or tissue from a child and the alleged father. DNA is the genetic coding or unique genetic “fingerprint” that is present in every cell of a human’s body. When a baby is conceived, a mother’s unique genetic coding (her 23 chromosomes) combines with the father’s unique genetic coding (his 23 chromosomes) to create a unique baby whose genetic coding (46 chromosomes) is a shared mix of only its mother’s and father’s DNA. By collecting and examining a small sample of DNA from the baby and the alleged father, a paternity test can confirm or disprove that the alleged father is indeed the biologic father of the baby (Note: To provide a complete DNA picture, typically, a mother’s DNA is also collected and tested alth
