FAQs • Snohomish County, WA • CivicEngage

Why do they need the mother's DNA sample?: We obtain samples from all the parties: The mother, child and the alleged father. Your child inherits a genetic marker from each parent in each of the panels the laboratory checks. Our contracted lab prefers that all parties are tested. Testing all three people assures quality results.

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Prosecutor- Family Support: Paternity Establishment

1. Can we fill out a Paternity Acknowledgment instead of setting up an appointment?: It really depends - each case has individual circumstances. You will need to contact our office and speak with a Legal Assistant about your case.

2. Why do they need the mother's DNA sample?: We obtain samples from all the parties: The mother, child and the alleged father. Your child inherits a genetic marker from each parent in each of the panels the laboratory checks. Our contracted lab prefers that all parties are tested. Testing all three people assures quality results.

3. Am I supposed to show up at the hearings? Which ones?: It is up to you in most cases whether you appear at the hearings. You must appear if it is an Order to Show Cause, as a warrant will be issued for your arrest if you do not show up. In other hearings, if you do not appear, the court may approve what is presented at the hearing or if the other party appears and you do not, something unexpected may happened at the hearing and you will not be there to address it.

4. Why do you need my husband/ex-husband's info?: If you were married during the range of conception or your child was born during the marriage, he is considered the legal or presumed father and is entitled to notice of the action.

5. How long is the appointment?: We allow an hour for the initial appointment provided you have the paperwork completed in advance. If you do not, it can take longer or you may have to forfeit your time slot and make another appointment.

6. How long does it take to establish paternity?: How long a case will take to establish paternity and a child support order varies. It is dependent on many factors including how cooperative the parties are, if we need to locate a parent, if there are unexpected issues being addressed, etc. We strive to complete our cases within six months; however, some are completed in as little as two months and others may take longer than six months

7. We already know who the dad is. Do I (we) still need to come in?: Knowing who the dad is and legally establishing that fact are two different things. It is important to name the father on the child's legal birth certificate, so the child does not lose important benefits, such as survivor's or disability benefits and/or inheritance rights. The child has a right to legal paternity establishment