New Jersey Paternity FAQs

1a) A old girlfriend of mine has just told me that I am the father of her child. I don't believe her. What do I do?
Tell her so, and insist on paternity testing if she disagrees.

1b) I just found out that my ex-girlfriend just had a baby. I think I may be the father. What do I do?
Tell her so, and insist on paternity testing if she disagrees.

2) How do I do that?
As with all other matters, go to the Superior Court in the County where the child resides. Go to the Family Court, and tell them the story, and that you want to file a Paternity Action.

3) That sounds complicated. Do I need an attorney?
At this stage, probably not. But you may want to consider consulting an attorney before you go much further.

The Family Court has personnel who are trained in assisting you in completing the necessary forms. Once the forms are properly completed, the Court will provide notice to you and the mother of a Court hearing.

If, at the Court hearing, the two of you agree that you are (or are not) the father, appropriate forms will be prepared declaring that you are (or are not) the father. Once these forms are completed, and the Judge signs them, the decision is final and cannot be changed except in exceptional circumstances. Be sure you know what you are doing before you consent to anything.

If, as is more likely the case, the two of you do not agree whether you are the father, the Judge will Order that the two of you, and the baby, submit to blood testing.

4) When does that happen?
In some Counties, you go that day to a special room in the Courthouse, or in a nearby building. In other Counties, you will be notified where to go in the next few days.

5) What happens when they take blood?
To ensure that all of the right people are there, Polaroid pictures are taken of mother, father and baby.

6) When do I get the results?
Depending on the lab doing the analysis, and how much work they have, generally the wait is 4 - 8 weeks.

The results can be difficult to understand. Generally, however, the express paternity in "probability." That is, it will indicate which tests were performed and reach a conclusion that, within 98.789% probability, you are the father. Or something similar to that.

7a) Okay, so I am the father. No what?
You are entitled to custodial time (visitation) with your child, and the child is entitled to child support. The Judge will have you appear in Court again, to set a visitation schedule, and to determine an appropriate amount of child support. (See Child Support FAQs.)

7b) Okay, I am not the father. Now what?
You have no legal obligation to support the child. Similarly, you probably have no legal right to custodial time with the child.