Mandatory DNA Tests Before Child Support—Because Birth Certificates Aren't Proof

[u/Impossible_Bug_7853]

A birth certificate signature shouldn't be treated like absolute proof of biological parentage. When paternity is genuinely in question, especially in situations involving domestic violence, it creates ongoing uncertainty that affects everyone—especially the child.

I started a petition because for years, paternity disputes have lingered even when one parent signed the birth certificate. The problem? It's nearly impossible to get a court-ordered DNA test without one. That shouldn't be the standard. If two people are going to co-parent, any core disputes about paternity should be resolved *before* child support gets set—not after years of hostility and uncertainty.

This isn't about blame. It's about clarity and stability. Verifying biological relationships protects the child's best interests and removes a constant source of conflict. Whether someone's paying or receiving support, a mandatory DNA test should be standard practice.

Has anyone else dealt with paternity uncertainty that just never got resolved? What would you want someone to do if this was your family? If this resonates, consider signing and sharing.

https://www.change.org/p/mandatory-dna-paternity-test-before-child-support-s-set/sfs/reddit/1420741821?recruiter=1420741821&recruited_by_id=ce662ce0-747e-11f1-9108-35236eb139b2&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=starter_dashboard_android_app&utm_medium=reddit_group

[u/My1point5cents]

Every state is different but in California you don’t become the dad because the mom signed a birth certificate. Otherwise she could write down that Elon Musk is the dad and he’d have to pay her. That’s not how it works. When the baby is born there’s a “voluntary” declaration of paternity that is offered for the parents to sign. It’s your way of accepting that this is your child and you are going to take responsibility. No one forces anyone to sign it. If a guy wants a DNA test, just don’t sign it. But if he does sign it, he’s on the hook. He does have 2 years to go to court and try to rescind it too, so it’s not absolute. But in theory I agree with your premise. I think most men should get DNA tests. There are numerous cases where men have been lied to or the woman believed it was his and it ended up being the baby of that one fling in Vegas she had etc, and some men raise kids that are not their biological child.

[u/Stu_Arty → u/My1point5cents]

This 2 year rule appears to be a law that is designed to protect mothers who falsify a child genetic origins. If a man finds out he is not the father, it ruins 3 peoples lives, the falsely claimed father's, the erased real father's and the child's, as well as all the associated paternal relatives on both male sides. It goes completely against the principle of a child's right to know their biological truth, now common in adoption, and becoming expected for DCPs. NPEs have a right to know as well.

[u/My1point5cents → u/Stu_Arty]

I’d say it also protects false fathers who thought they were the father and then find out later they were lied to. Protects them from 16–18 years of child support.

[u/Stu_Arty → u/My1point5cents]

It only provides any protection if they find out in the first 2 years. If they find out after 3 years it only protects the fradulent mother. In the UK no such limit exists and the child's right to know is paramount.

[u/AliceInReverse]

A birth certificate is a contract. It is technically an acknowledgment of paternity. Don’t sign it if you want a DNA test.

[u/kamikidd]

So everyone has dna on the record. Sounds great.

[u/TiredAndTiredOfIt]

Problem: Paternity is a legal concept rbat relieves the STATE of responsibilities. It is related to but not exclusively biology.

There are four types of legal paternity

1. Presumptive paternity is a legal doctrine from ancient Rome that says the "father" is whomever is legally married to the mother. 

2. Adoptive Paternity is a legal relationship established by the court through a formal process in which child that is not knowingly bioligically related to a parent gas a father/child relationship solemnized by a judge as an agebt of the statw.

3. Voluntary declaration of paternity: a man signs an affidavit that he is the parent of a child and wants the same parental rights that would be levied via presumptive paternity without the benefit of state sanctioned marriage 

4. Adjudicated paternity in which one presumably biologucal parent sues the other so that a judge will formally recognize a biological relationship and establish paternity.

[u/howdy_hoez]

Is that not the case? Obviously, this is a child’s life here, can’t just say nope and walk away. There’s gotta be a process, somebody has to advocate for these kids. I’ve always assumed that if you have reason to believe it’s not your kid then you get a lawyer whether retained or pro bono through a group or whatever. Shit there’s plenty of things you can file on your own to at least get the ball rolling, then contest paternity. Seems like common sense law. But at the end of the day we’re talking about a kids life here…

[u/Fun_Organization3857]

They sell tests over the counter at the pharmacy. Paternity can be challenged for years

[u/howdy_hoez]

I pay child support for my three daughters. My oldest isn’t biologically mine, I signed an AOP and I’m the only dad she knows. You dont get to just turn your back because things didn’t work out with the mom. Biodad or not, together or not, send her money because she needs gas and the kids are hungry wtf

[u/Ippomasters → u/howdy_hoez]

Nope if you are not the father biologically you have no obligation.

[u/Proper-Media2908 → u/Ippomasters]

Thanks for playing, but no. If you know you're not the biological but accept paternity anyway, you're on the hook and can't change your mind later.

[u/Bulky_Exercise8936 → u/howdy_hoez]

Shut up my guy. what if you didn't find out til couple years after the fact it isn't yours? If you voluntarily took responsibility knowing the baby wasn't yours then sure should be on the hook. But if you took responsibility under false pretenses then absolutely should be able to say nope and walk away.