Requesting Paternity Test As an Adult

[AFern1]

My question involves paternity law for the State of: Washington State

I have never known my father, and he does not know of me. I recently got the name of who my mother believes my father is and I would like a paternity test but I do not know how to go about requesting one. Is there any way to do it through the courts although I am over 18? I am 22. I do not want to just confront him as I did a background check on him and his background was a bit sketchy, so I would really like to do it through a more formal manner if possible.

Thank you for your help.

[Richelle71]

Asking a complete stranger for a paternity test will not give you the anticipated results you may be looking for. There is still a statue of limitations that this man can say "no" to your request.(privacy laws) He can also say that it is heresay(your mother saying that he may be the father) and deny the request. You nay want to consider asking him, before asking him for Paternity testing. He may be overjoyed to find out he has a child. He most likely won't like to be asked for paternity testing without any history.

[Dogmatique]

My question involves paternity law for the State of: Washington State

I have never known my father, and he does not know of me. I recently got the name of who my mother believes my father is and I would like a paternity test but I do not know how to go about requesting one. Is there any way to do it through the courts although I am over 18? I am 22. I do not want to just confront him as I did a background check on him and his background was a bit sketchy, so I would really like to do it through a more formal manner if possible.

Thank you for your help.

Has anyone else been established - legally - as your father?

I live in WA. I know WA family law.

[AFern1]

Has anyone else been established - legally - as your father?

I live in WA. I know WA family law.

No, no one has been legally established as my father.

[Dogmatique]

Richelle is incorrect.

There is no SOL to petition the court to establish paternity in WA provided there has never been a prior adjudication of paternity.

read here

and here

and here

I suggest you speak with a local attorney, given your age and the slightly unusual circumstances. There IS a chance that any petition would be denied; the man does have rights and since he doesn't know anything about you the court may well decide that it's just not in anyone's best interest.