Summary
To obtain a court-ordered DNA test in Arkansas, file a Petition to Establish Paternity in the Circuit Court and request a DNA test. Legal representation is not mandatory but recommended. If paternity is confirmed, child support will likely be required, calculated based on both parents income and the childs needs. Financial struggles are considered in the calculation. Use the Arkansas Child Support Calculator for estimates. Free legal aid is available through the Center for Arkansas Legal Services.Full Conversation
I just have a quick question. My boyfriend might have a kid, but is unsure. At the beginning, the mother was saying he was the father. Then told my boyfriends brother that he is the father. Then told someone else they are the father. So we are unsure. How would he go about getting a court ordered dna test?
Hello ****, to obtain a court-ordered DNA test, your boyfriend should:
*. File a paternity action in court.
*. Request a DNA test within this suit.
The process may vary by location. Could you please tell me where you are located?
Arkansas
In Arkansas, your boyfriend can:
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity in the Circuit Court.
- After filing, request the court to order a DNA test.
This process might require legal assistance. Would you like contact details for legal aid in Arkansas?
Do you know if he would have to have a lawyer for it? We are struggling and do not have much money for a lawyer
While it's not mandatory to have a lawyer, they can guide you through the process. It's recommended when complex issues arise. In Arkansas, there are organizations like Center for Arkansas Legal Services offering help to those who can't afford legal representation.
If it turns out that he is the father, will he have to pay child support?
Yes, if your boyfriend is confirmed as the father, he will likely be responsible for child support. In Arkansas:
- Child support is typically required until the child turns *.
- The amount is determined based on both parents' income and the needs of the child.
See, he makes roughly * a week. We also have a son of our own. We barely make ends meet.
In Arkansas, child support payments are calculated based on both parents' income. If your boyfriend's income is limited and you're struggling financially, that would be taken into account. The court's goal is to ensure all children involved are adequately supported.
How exactly is it calculated?
In Arkansas, child support is calculated using the state's child support guidelines. Factors considered include:
- Both parents' monthly net income.
- Number of children.
- Expenses like health insurance, child care costs.
For detailed calculations, the state provides a Child Support Calculator.
Can you give me the link for that?
Sure, here is the link to the Arkansas Child Support Calculator: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/child-support/arkansas-child-support-calculator
Thank you
You're welcome, ****! If you have any more questions in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Best of luck with everything.
Can you give me the link to free legal aide in arkansas?
Sure, ****. Here is the link to the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, an organization that provides free legal aid in Arkansas: https://www.arkansaslegalservices.org/
Thank you
You're welcome, ****! If you have any other questions in the future, feel free to ask. Good luck with everything!