When it comes to establishing paternity, people will have two options:  blood tests or DNA tests.  In the medical community, it is believed that of the two types of testing, DNA tests are the most reliable at proving paternity.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material that exists in every cell of a human's body.  Every human has unique DNA, unless the human is a twin.  A person gets half of his/her DNA from his/her mother, and the other half from his/her father. 

When a DNA test is performed on a child, medical professionals will compare the genetic characteristics of the child to the mother.  The characteristics that cannot be found in the mother are then believed to have been inherited by the father.  During DNA testing, if the alleged father's DNA matches the child's other DNA characteristics, there is a biological relationship and paternity is established.

Would you like to learn more about paternity testing?  Contact Ellerin Hutchinson today to discuss your family matter with a Jacksonville family law attorney.