[Ohiomom49]

Hello. I am a single mother of a soon to be 9 month old son. His "father" was not involved in the pregnancy (doctor's appointments, etc.) and did not contact me until September. We were in contact prior to the birth but then he disappeared. So I called him when we got home from the hospital and he came to see my son (at 4 days old) and that is the only time he has seen him. I was served papers by the CSEA that I was to appear for DNA testing as requested by the "father". I called the father (this was in January) and asked him what was going on and he said he was trying to help me. That is the last time I have spoken to him. He has not called, sent an email or anything asking how my son is doing. Well the day came for the DNA test and I did not go. Now I was served papers through Juvenile Court stating that the CSEA is requesting that the Court issue an Order compelling me to take the DNA test and I have been informed that if I do not show up this time that I could be sent to jail. I am employed full time, have insurance on my son and do not receive any assistance whatsoever from the State of Ohio. Can they legally make me take a DNA test to establish paternity? I do not need or want anything from the father and am supporting my son on my own. To me the State has no legal standing in this matter since I am not receiving assistance. I would truly appreciate any help I can get. Thank you.

[cbent2005]

The alleged father can petition the court to establish paternity, if he wants. That is why the state is involved. If he hadn't asked for a paternity test, the state wouldn't have gotten involved. Because you did not go for the first paternity appointment, the court can find you in contempt for refusing to cooperate. For whatever reason, he has decided to get involved. You may not want anything from him, but he has the 'right' to be a part of this child's life (that means visitation, etc). He helped make that child (even if he hasn't done anything else). Once paternity is established, he can petition for custody, visitation, etc. But.... along with that comes a child support order for him. Don't ignore the court order for paternity. Your ex may not even pursue custody/visitation. Take it one step at a time. Good luck.

[Xena]

Hello. I am a single mother of a soon to be 9 month old son. His "father"" was not involved in the pregnancy (doctor's appointments, etc.) and did not contact me until September. We were in contact prior to the birth but then he disappeared. So I called him when we got home from the hospital and he came to see my son (at 4 days old) and that is the only time he has seen him. I was served papers by the CSEA that I was to appear for DNA testing as requested by the "father". I called the father (this was in January) and asked him what was going on and he said he was trying to help me. That is the last time I have spoken to him. He has not called, sent an email or anything asking how my son is doing. Well the day came for the DNA test and I did not go. Now I was served papers through Juvenile Court stating that the CSEA is requesting that the Court issue an Order compelling me to take the DNA test and I have been informed that if I do not show up this time that I could be sent to jail. I am employed full time, have insurance on my son and do not receive any assistance whatsoever from the State of Ohio. Can they legally make me take a DNA test to establish paternity? I do not need or want anything from the father and am supporting my son on my own. To me the State has no legal standing in this matter since I am not receiving assistance. I would truly appreciate any help I can get. Thank you.

I bolded parts of your post to hopefully make a point. Your son is NOT just your son, he has a father, NOT a "father". You did not create this child by yourself. The fact that you did not go for the DNA test, refer to the child as yours only, and want to know if you HAVE TO go for a DNA test, is all very telling. I understand that you might not like your child's father, that you are upset, hurt or angry with him, but you need to realize for your son's sake that if he is proven the father he does have rights. Remember, your son is only 9 months old, so what if his father hasn't been around? It's been a very short time, and the fact that your ex has been proactive and filed to determine paternity is very indicitive that he does wish to be a part of HIS child's life. Don't make things harder on yourself, and later your son, by not accepting reality now.

[Baystategirl]

I bolded parts of your post to hopefully make a point. Your son is NOT just your son, he has a father, NOT a "father". You did not create this child by yourself. The fact that you did not go for the DNA test, refer to the child as yours only, and want to know if you HAVE TO go for a DNA test, is all very telling. I understand that you might not like your child's father, that you are upset, hurt or angry with him, but you need to realize for your son's sake that if he is proven the father he does have rights. Remember, your son is only 9 months old, so what if his father hasn't been around? It's been a very short time, and the fact that your ex has been proactive and filed to determine paternity is very indicitive that he does wish to be a part of HIS child's life. Don't make things harder on yourself, and later your son, by not accepting reality now.

Excellent advice!!