FAQs • Churchill County, NV • CivicEngage

Why is establishing paternity important?: Both parents and the child have the right to a parent-child relationship. Both parents and the child deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in this relationship.
IDENTITY: It is important to know who we are. Your child has the right to the sense of belonging that comes from knowing both parents.
MONEY: The law requires both parents to support their children. This is true even with an unplanned pregnancy. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs.
BENEFITS: Your child has the right to other benefits from both parents. These may include Social Security, insurance benefits, inheritance rights, veterans and other types of benefits.
MEDICAL: Your child may need a complete medical history from the families of both parents. This could include inherited health problems.
Both parents have the right to know and the responsibility to support their son or daughter.

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Child Support FAQ - Paternity

1. What is paternity establishment?: Paternity means fatherhood. Establishing paternity means making the biological father a legal father too.

2. Why is establishing paternity important?: Both parents and the child have the right to a parent-child relationship. Both parents and the child deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in this relationship.
IDENTITY: It is important to know who we are. Your child has the right to the sense of belonging that comes from knowing both parents.
MONEY: The law requires both parents to support their children. This is true even with an unplanned pregnancy. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs.
BENEFITS: Your child has the right to other benefits from both parents. These may include Social Security, insurance benefits, inheritance rights, veterans and other types of benefits.
MEDICAL: Your child may need a complete medical history from the families of both parents. This could include inherited health problems.
Both parents have the right to know and the responsibility to support their son or daughter.

3. When is paternity genetic testing necessary?: When the alleged father questions or denies paternity.

4. How is paternity testing done?: If genetic testing is necessary in establishing paternity, the alleged father will be asked to sign a stipulation and the District Court Judge will order testing. You will be scheduled to come to our office with the child where our trained staff will perform the testing. The method of testing is called Buccal Swab, where the case worker will take samples of your DNA by rubbing a Q-tip on the insides of the cheek. It is non-invasive and does not cause pain. The samples are sent to LabCorp where the tests compare many different and complex details of the child’s cells with similar details in the mother’s and father’s cells.

5. Who pays for the testing?: Generally, if the alleged father becomes the biological father by way of paternity testing the cost is included in the child support order and the father pays it. If a test is performed and it is proven that the alleged father is NOT the biological father the state pays the expense.

6. What if the father or mother is not 18 years old yet?: A person of any age can be tested. The age of the father or mother is not relevant under Nevada paternity establishment laws.