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Doubting dads prompt paternity test trend
By Bobby Kerlik
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, October 9, 2006
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Dr. Mark Hudson always wondered why his son didn't look like him.
"My wife and I were both in (medical) residency at the time, and we used birth control religiously," said Hudson, 44, now divorced and remarried. "I actually asked her, at the time, if this was my child. She said, 'Of course.' Most people trust their spouse."
A genetic test last year confirmed his doubts.
Hudson, an anesthesiologist from Finleyville, Washington County, said a DNA test he commissioned showed another man had fathered the 12-year-old boy. Hudson was miffed when a judge recently ordered him to continue paying $2,800 a month in child support for two children, even though he fathered just one of them.
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Nationwide, thousands of men are being forced to pay support for someone else's children, according to fathers' rights groups. Doubting dads can buy a $99 DNA paternity home-test kit online to show whether a child is biologically theirs.
Court decisions increasingly take DNA testing into account in determining paternity, but that is not the only factor judges consider when deciding whether to order child support payments after a couple split up.
"DNA testing has spiked in particular in the last five to six years. Exposure to DNA testing on TV is a big part of that," said Len Stone, president of American Medical Services. He said his company sells thousands of DNA kits and most are used for paternity tests.
Courts in six Western Pennsylvania counties ordered DNA tests of about 4,500 children and adults last year to establish paternity. More than half of those tests -- 2,700 -- were ordered in Allegheny County, said Patrick Quinn, administrator of the adult section of family court.
Taxpayers pick up the $210 cost of each case, which usually includes testing for mom, dad and child. If the test confirms the man as the biological father, he is billed for the cost, Quinn said. Generally, the federal government reimburses counties for 66 percent of the cost of the test when the father is not identified.
Even when DNA tests confirm suspicions, many men such as Hudson are surprised to learn they're still financially responsible for a child not biologically theirs. Paternity is about more than who provides the DNA, legal experts say.
Pennsylvania's court rulings largely depend on the individual situation, said Dan Richard, director of the state Bureau of Child Support.
"The laws on the books now were developed when DNA testing did not exist," Richard said. "I realize there are those who say we should rely 100 percent on genetic testing. But you just can't take a father away. You have to balance the science vs. the children."
Child advocate groups, such as the National Center for Youth Law, based in Oakland, Calif., say paternity laws that allow fathers to walk out of children's lives are not in the best interest of the youngsters.
"In the end, this is about kids. These days, biology is not and should not be the primary factor in determining who the father is," said Curt Child, a senior attorney with the center. "Of equal importance should be the best interests of the child.
"For an individual to come back years later and say, 'I was duped. I'm not the father,' will have a significant impact on the child."
Child said a man who is unsure he is the biological father should challenge paternity when a child is born. Waiting risks having the child grow dependent on the man's emotional and financial support.
Generally, Pennsylvania courts determine paternity based on the relationship between father and child, the child's age and whether a marriage and family are intact, Richard said. Courts consider how long a man knew he was not the biological father before challenging paternity in court.
Courts have ruled that if a man acts as the child's father, he can be held financially responsible for the child, said Downtown-based family law attorney Lisa Marie Vari.
"It's really the (woman) who had the relationship, and it's not fair to fraudulently hold a man responsible for this obligation," Vari said. "You have to balance that against the emotional needs of a child."
That was part of the reasoning used by Allegheny County Judge Kathleen Mulligan, who ruled that Hudson must continue paying child support for both children conceived during his 11-year marriage, including one who private DNA testing showed was not his.
In an opinion issued Friday, Mulligan wrote, "It is recognized that damage may already have been done in this case because (Hudson's son) may well be aware of his father's position. However, the policy question remains as to whether the law should encourage parties to challenge the paternity of 12-year-old children whom they have raised all of their lives.
"While one may have little sympathy for the mother under these circumstances, (the son) should not be punished."
Hudson's ex-wife, Nicolette Chiesa, said in court papers that Hudson acted as the boy's father throughout the child's life and should not change that stance. She and Hudson were married in May 1989 and divorced in October 2000. They had a daughter during their marriage, and the two children should be treated equally, Chiesa's court documents state. Chiesa's lawyer declined comment.
Hudson is appealing to state Superior Court. He said he would like to continue a relationship with his son, but has not seen him for more than a year because of legal and custody conflicts.
"I still feel like he's my son. But I think it's wrong to enrich the person who committed the fraud," Mark Hudson said. "The child deserves the truth."
Pennsylvania paternity rulings
While DNA testing can determine whether a man is the biological father of a child, Pennsylvania courts have returned mixed rulings on whether he is responsible for support payments after he and the mother split up. When the child and presumed father have bonded and the man has acknowledged being the father, the man can be required to pay support. However, Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled that men no longer had to make support payments in at least two cases involving DNA testing:
• In 2003, Superior Court upheld a Luzerne County judge's ruling that eliminated support payments by William Doran, who used DNA results to exclude himself as the father of a child conceived during his marriage. The child was 11 when Doran learned he was not the father, according to court documents.
• In February, Superior Court said an Erie County judge incorrectly ordered Gregory Gatti to continue paying support for a toddler who was not biologically his. The couple were never married. The child was 18 months old when Gatti learned through DNA testing that another man was the father. The Erie County judge said Gatti should pay support, noting that Gatti had acted as the father and claimed the child as a dependent on tax returns. Superior Court judges overturned that ruling, saying the mother tricked Gatti into believing he was the father.
Courts in a six Western Pennsylvania counties -- Allegheny, Westmoreland, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler and Washington -- ordered DNA tests of about 4,500 children and adults last year to establish paternity.
Bobby Kerlik can be reached at bkerlik@tribweb.com or 412-391-0927.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/health/s_474149.html
Friday, May 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Paternity Test Tuesday By The Nutz
Paternity Test Tuesday By The Nutz
The Nutz in the Morning Present…Paternity Test Tuesday! Not sure who the daddy is? Is most of your paycheck going to child support when that kid doesn’t even look like you? Did your chick cheat, but she swears its your child? KNOW FOR SURE! Wanna free paternity test? Let the nutz foot the bill for you! Brought to you by Lab Express and The Nutz in the Morning!
http://www.power983fm.com/content/ptt/index.php
The Nutz in the Morning Present…Paternity Test Tuesday! Not sure who the daddy is? Is most of your paycheck going to child support when that kid doesn’t even look like you? Did your chick cheat, but she swears its your child? KNOW FOR SURE! Wanna free paternity test? Let the nutz foot the bill for you! Brought to you by Lab Express and The Nutz in the Morning!
http://www.power983fm.com/content/ptt/index.php
Paternity Test at $89
http://www.metaphasegenetics.com/company-info.htm
Is non-legal test same standard?
Notes:
you have to pay in full by Visa or Mastercard before they can send the kits out for you. Everything is included in $89 by regular mail internationally. Customer is responsible for shipping cost from their end to the laboratory, one can use either regular mail (stamps) or Fedex or UPS as the shipping method.
The home test procedure is exactly the same as the legal test. The only difference is the collection procedure as the home test IS NOT done under a witness where the legal test is done at one of our collection sites by the nurse.
#2:
http://www.mydnalab.com/home-dna-paternity-testing.php
DNA testing center of america --- the name only appears once in image in their web site.
Private Home Paternity Test Kit $89
Fees and product description for 2008
Safely and easily collect the DNA sample in the privacy of your own home. After sample collection, simply send the samples back to our laboratory using the return packaging provided in the testing kit. Results are available in just 3 to 5 working days from the day that we receive your samples.
Our private test is just as accurate as our legal test, the only difference is the chain-of-custody (witnessing).
Legal Testing Guarantee
The private test is the best solution for those who need to find out the truth about paternity before deciding on the next step. If, after you receive the results of your private test, decide that you need the legal test, the full cost of the private test will be deducted from the legal testing cost, so you don't need to pay twice!
After the collection, the swabs are placed into the specimen containers provided in the kit and mailed back to the laboratory using the pre-addressed envelope provided in the kit. Once the laboratory receives your samples, testing begins immediately and the results are available in 3 to 5 working days.
All tests run 2x using 16 loci STR DNA technology
Select a Private Home DNA Test Type*
1 alleged father, 1 child (results in 3 to 5 working days), $89
1 mother, 1 alleged father, 1 child (results in 3 to 5 working days), $125
1 alleged father, 2 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $185
1 mother, 1 alleged father, 2 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $210
1 mother, 2 alleged fathers, 1 child (results in 3 to 5 working days), $210
1 alleged father, 3 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $270
1 mother, 1 alleged father, 3 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $295
Plus Shipping and Handling Fee
Regular Delivery. Receive test kit in approximately 10 working days: FREE
Express Delivery. Receive test kit in approximately 72 hours: $20
#3:
http://www.dnatesting.net/paternity_dna_testing.html
Family Genetics DNA Testing Services
all you pay for is the Shipping and Processing of the DNA Test Kit. $10-15 S&Processing fee
Free no-obligation DNA Test Kit
Accuracy:
In paternity, if a man is the biological father of a child, we would expect markers at all 15 systems to match, and this is what happens in almost all paternity cases.
Pricing Information for Paternity DNA Testing
The basic informational test includes two test participants: the alleged father and the child being tested. The fee structure for paternity DNA Testing is as follows:
Informational Paternity DNA Test $89.00
Add Mother $25.00
Additional Test Participant $69.00
It's easy as 1-2-3
DNA Testing has never been easier. First, order our Free, no-obligation DNA test kit. Inside the discreet, nondescript envelope you receive, you'll find a folder containing enough cheek swabs to test up to three people, easy-to-follow instructions, an order form, and a prepaid envelope you'll use to send your samples in. Second, collect your DNA samples and send them along with your order form and payment to our laboratory. Third, our laboratory will analyze your samples, prepare your report, and send it back to you. It's that simple.
#4
homedna.com
AABB/ISO
use gtldna lab
add $18-21 S&H for "free" collection kit with pastage paid return envelop; no obligation test kit mailed first. (you pay $18-21 though)
Global recognition for our legal casework. Our laboratory is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and is ISO17025 accredited, resulting in global recognition of casework originating from our laboratory.
Our testing laboratory is ISO17025 accredited and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. Our laboratory is also a participant of the CAP Proficiency Testing Program.
Higher Accuracy
Metaphase tests are 100 times more discriminating than the industry standard. All paternity test reports come complete with the laboratory data and the full genetic profile for each tested individual. Our laboratory tests 16 markers for every test, versus the 9 to 10 which is tested in most labs.
Is non-legal test same standard?
Notes:
you have to pay in full by Visa or Mastercard before they can send the kits out for you. Everything is included in $89 by regular mail internationally. Customer is responsible for shipping cost from their end to the laboratory, one can use either regular mail (stamps) or Fedex or UPS as the shipping method.
The home test procedure is exactly the same as the legal test. The only difference is the collection procedure as the home test IS NOT done under a witness where the legal test is done at one of our collection sites by the nurse.
#2:
http://www.mydnalab.com/home-dna-paternity-testing.php
DNA testing center of america --- the name only appears once in image in their web site.
Private Home Paternity Test Kit $89
Fees and product description for 2008
Safely and easily collect the DNA sample in the privacy of your own home. After sample collection, simply send the samples back to our laboratory using the return packaging provided in the testing kit. Results are available in just 3 to 5 working days from the day that we receive your samples.
Our private test is just as accurate as our legal test, the only difference is the chain-of-custody (witnessing).
Legal Testing Guarantee
The private test is the best solution for those who need to find out the truth about paternity before deciding on the next step. If, after you receive the results of your private test, decide that you need the legal test, the full cost of the private test will be deducted from the legal testing cost, so you don't need to pay twice!
After the collection, the swabs are placed into the specimen containers provided in the kit and mailed back to the laboratory using the pre-addressed envelope provided in the kit. Once the laboratory receives your samples, testing begins immediately and the results are available in 3 to 5 working days.
All tests run 2x using 16 loci STR DNA technology
Select a Private Home DNA Test Type*
1 alleged father, 1 child (results in 3 to 5 working days), $89
1 mother, 1 alleged father, 1 child (results in 3 to 5 working days), $125
1 alleged father, 2 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $185
1 mother, 1 alleged father, 2 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $210
1 mother, 2 alleged fathers, 1 child (results in 3 to 5 working days), $210
1 alleged father, 3 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $270
1 mother, 1 alleged father, 3 children (results in 3 to 5 working days), $295
Plus Shipping and Handling Fee
Regular Delivery. Receive test kit in approximately 10 working days: FREE
Express Delivery. Receive test kit in approximately 72 hours: $20
#3:
http://www.dnatesting.net/paternity_dna_testing.html
Family Genetics DNA Testing Services
all you pay for is the Shipping and Processing of the DNA Test Kit. $10-15 S&Processing fee
Free no-obligation DNA Test Kit
Accuracy:
In paternity, if a man is the biological father of a child, we would expect markers at all 15 systems to match, and this is what happens in almost all paternity cases.
Pricing Information for Paternity DNA Testing
The basic informational test includes two test participants: the alleged father and the child being tested. The fee structure for paternity DNA Testing is as follows:
Informational Paternity DNA Test $89.00
Add Mother $25.00
Additional Test Participant $69.00
It's easy as 1-2-3
DNA Testing has never been easier. First, order our Free, no-obligation DNA test kit. Inside the discreet, nondescript envelope you receive, you'll find a folder containing enough cheek swabs to test up to three people, easy-to-follow instructions, an order form, and a prepaid envelope you'll use to send your samples in. Second, collect your DNA samples and send them along with your order form and payment to our laboratory. Third, our laboratory will analyze your samples, prepare your report, and send it back to you. It's that simple.
#4
homedna.com
AABB/ISO
use gtldna lab
add $18-21 S&H for "free" collection kit with pastage paid return envelop; no obligation test kit mailed first. (you pay $18-21 though)
Free DNA Paternity Test for Father’s Day - 2007
Free DNA Paternity Test for Father’s Day
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Contact Information
Jim Bentley
Vice President
Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc
623-434-0292
jbentley@chromosomal-labs.com
Chromosomal Laboratories Offers Unique Gift to Fathers
PHOENIX, AZ, May 29, 2007
Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc., a leading DNA testing laboratory, has announced that it will repeat its hugely popular offer of five free paternity tests, a $2000 value, to fathers and alleged fathers as a special promotion to celebrate the upcoming Father’s Day holiday. Interested parties should contact Chromosomal Laboratories by June 14th to be entered into the drawing. Five fathers will be chosen at random to receive a free home paternity test kit.
Chromosomal Laboratories is an independently owned and operated laboratory. The company offers both private home test kits as well as legal tests. Both tests are 16 genetic marker tests, the gold standard within the industry, which provides an accuracy level of up to 99.9999%.
There are many reasons people decide to have a paternity test. Paternity fraud or the false identification of a man as the father of a child is one such reason and a serious problem in the United States. Approximately 30% of the over 300,000 paternity tests performed annually in the United States result in exclusion of the alleged individual as the biological father. The LA Chapter of the National Coalition of Free Men estimates that there are over 7 million children in the United States that are unknowingly calling the wrong person, Dad.
“We hope to bring closure to five families to help answer important questions they may have regarding paternity,” stated Vladimir Bolin, chief executive officer of Chromosomal Laboratories. “Both alleged fathers and the children involved have the right to know who the actual father is.”
Families interested in this special offer should contact Chromosomal Laboratories by calling 623-434-0292 to become eligible for this unique Father’s Day gift.
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Contact Information
Jim Bentley
Vice President
Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc
623-434-0292
jbentley@chromosomal-labs.com
Chromosomal Laboratories Offers Unique Gift to Fathers
PHOENIX, AZ, May 29, 2007
Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc., a leading DNA testing laboratory, has announced that it will repeat its hugely popular offer of five free paternity tests, a $2000 value, to fathers and alleged fathers as a special promotion to celebrate the upcoming Father’s Day holiday. Interested parties should contact Chromosomal Laboratories by June 14th to be entered into the drawing. Five fathers will be chosen at random to receive a free home paternity test kit.
Chromosomal Laboratories is an independently owned and operated laboratory. The company offers both private home test kits as well as legal tests. Both tests are 16 genetic marker tests, the gold standard within the industry, which provides an accuracy level of up to 99.9999%.
There are many reasons people decide to have a paternity test. Paternity fraud or the false identification of a man as the father of a child is one such reason and a serious problem in the United States. Approximately 30% of the over 300,000 paternity tests performed annually in the United States result in exclusion of the alleged individual as the biological father. The LA Chapter of the National Coalition of Free Men estimates that there are over 7 million children in the United States that are unknowingly calling the wrong person, Dad.
“We hope to bring closure to five families to help answer important questions they may have regarding paternity,” stated Vladimir Bolin, chief executive officer of Chromosomal Laboratories. “Both alleged fathers and the children involved have the right to know who the actual father is.”
Families interested in this special offer should contact Chromosomal Laboratories by calling 623-434-0292 to become eligible for this unique Father’s Day gift.
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