How can you tell if you are the father without a DNA Test?

Oftentimes, uncertainty along with friends or even family members may provoke doubt about the paternity of a child. When attempting to determine paternity, DNA testing is currently the most effective method to help individuals find the proof they deserve.

For many years, alternative methods people used to determine paternity were based on partial science or folklore. Below, we share some of the more common ways people have attempted to determine paternity without a DNA test

What are some alternative ways to determine paternity?

Performing a DNA test to determine paternity is currently the most accurate method of determining paternity. This option is also the only option today the court will accept to help establish paternity. Here are some of the most common ways people attempt to determine paternity without a DNA test:

1. Blood Typing For Paternity:

One of the ways some people have attempted to determine who the father of a child is by way of comparing the blood types of the alleged father with the child. Although you may be able to exclude an alleged father by using this method. Determining paternity using this method is not as effective.

For example, If two men are possible fathers of a child and they are both “A” blood types.

It would be difficult to determine who is actually the biological father of the child. Now, if one of the men is blood type “B”, the other man is blood type “A” and the child is blood type A. This is assuming there are only two candidates that may be the biological father of the child.

The likelihood of the man with blood type “A” being the biological father would be more certain. It is important to note that this option is seldom used in family courts by judges.

2. Physical features (Phenotype):

Physical features like hair color or texture, eye color and body type are commonly used to help determine if a child is biologically related to a child.

3. Date of possible conception:

This method is another popular method used to help with determining the paternity of a child. It could potentially work if the mother had intercourse with two different men weeks apart. If the mother had intercourse a couple of days apart with both men. Then calculating who the possible father is, becomes extremely difficult to do.

4. Genealogy and Family History: 

Research family lineage of both the alleged father and the child. Look for common ancestors using family documents, religious records, birth certificate or speak with elders like grandparents, uncles, or aunts if available.

This option requires patience and a lot of time depending on readily available you access to family records.

3. Facial features (Phenotype):

This option is the commonly used option by many people when attempting to determine paternity. If the child looks like the alleged father it is often looked upon as a no-brainer that the father is biologically related to the child. This is not always the case. If a mother had multiple partners who shared similar features. It would confuse things in terms of who the biological father of the child may be. Remember, facial features would not be an acceptable option to determine the paternity of a child for legal purposes.

4. Date of possible conception:

This method is another popular method used to help with determining the paternity of a child. It could potentially work if the mother had intercourse with two different men weeks apart. If the mother had intercourse a couple of days apart with both men. Then calculating who the possible father is, becomes extremely difficult to do. It is important to remember this option is not a definitive option and can not be used as evidence for any legal purpose.

Important Reminder:

The alternative ways of attempting to determine the paternity of a child mentioned above are methods that cannot be used for legal purposes to contest or establish the paternal rights of a child due its unreliability.

We recommend using a paternity test as the most reliable method to determine the probability of paternity. All samples submitted to our partner AABB-accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory are analyzed using 18 to 22 genetic markers. This accreditation ensures that your results will be accepted by Family Courts nationwide.

Conclusion:

Paternity testing is considered the most accurate method for determining the paternity of a child. Alternative options such as blood typing and eye color comparison have significant limitations and are not recognized by state or government authorities because they cannot definitively determine paternity.

We recommend DNA paternity testing because it provides legally or non-legally admissible results and is performed according to the highest industry standards by an accredited laboratory. Call 888-204-0583 today to schedule an appointment or speak with a trained DNA consultant who can assist you with your testing needs.

Why Choose Us IDTO DNA

IDTO DNA has helped thousands of customers nationwide with their relationship testing needs. Since 2004, we have been a trusted source for both legal and medical professionals seeking reliable DNA paternity testing services.

Our knowledgeable staff will guide you in selecting the right type of DNA test for your specific situation. This careful attention helps prevent ordering the wrong relationship test and avoids the need to pay for additional testing.