DNA Testing in Billings, Montana

Billings, Montana - DNA Testing

Establishing paternity in Billings, MT

In Montana, paternity can be presumed by law. When parents are married, the husband is assumed to be the legal father. For unmarried parents, it is necessary to establish paternity.

They can do so in multiple ways, for example:

Most commonly, parents who agree about paternity sign the VPA at the hospital when the baby is born since. This method of establishing paternity in Billings is quick and easy, and the hospital staff can usually help parents with the process.

Sometimes, the mother and the alleged father disagree about paternity or are unsure whether the man is the biological father. Parents in this situation often choose to go to court. In Montana, the judge often requests a DNA test for the father and the child to determine their relationship. If the DNA test returns from the laboratory indicating that the man is the biological father, the judge will usually establish paternity.

Occasionally, parents who are uncertain of paternity take at-home DNA tests to confirm whether the man is the father. Although DNA tests from home are highly accurate and great for peace of mind, it is important to remember that the court usually does not accept home DNA test results as evidence.

Billings, Montana: Challenging paternity

In Montana, a rebuttable presumption of paternity can be challenged as long as the father has evidence to prove he is not a biological father. This often includes the results of DNA tests. However, if a court has already established paternity and the alleged father wants to challenge it, the process may be much more complicated. The same applies if the parents signed the Acknowledgement of Paternity and sixty days from signing have already passed. This document has the same force and effects as court decisions. However, if the man can prove that there was a fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact, paternity may be challenged.

DNA Paternity Testing Changes Lives for Billings and Cody Families

Two Billings residents learned that they had a half-sibling they never knew about after a man named David Etchells, who was adopted, took a DNA test in an attempt to find his biological family. Etchells was previously able to obtain his birth records and track down family on his mother's side, but didn't have any luck tracing his paternity, He was certainly surprised when he received his DNA test results, which stated: "Relationship: Roy Irvin Hostetler is your father."

Etchells reached out to Roy Hostetler, asked some questions about his biological mother, and, eventually told him, "I'm your son." Roy then called his four children from his first marriage — two of whom lived in Billings — to tell them they had a half-sibling. To say that they were shocked is an understatement. They all finally met in person and were surprised by how much they actually had in common. They planned to have more reunions in Billings and, eventually, to travel together. They're all thrilled to have a larger family and have called it "a turning point" in their lives.

Last updated 11/2/2022