Paternity

Paternity means the state or condition of a father.

Rule 1910.15 of the Pennsylvania code governs paternity. A court action may be brought to determine whether a person is the father of a child born out of wedlock. The issue is commonly litigated for purpose of enforcing child support obligations. If paternity is not acknowledged, the court can order genetic testing. If the results of the genetic tests do not resolve the issue of paternity and the test results indicate less than a 99% probability of paternity, the case will be listed for an expedited trial before a judge. If the father fails to appear at the hearing or trial, the court may enter an order establishing paternity as well as an interim order for child support.