Proof of paternity may be necessary to determine parental rights, care and contact and financial support when the identity of the biological father is in question. In these instances, the court will order a genetic test. The results of this test are then used to establish a legal relationship between the parent and child and determine the extent of the father’s legal obligations to financially support the child. Even if the biological father does not wish to play an active role in the child’s upbringing, he still has the obligation to provide financial support to the minor child.
