Paternity test required?

Question

A buddy of mine has a 2 year old little boy. It looks like he and his girlfriend won't be getting back together and that a custody battle is coming. She has told him that a paternity test is a required part of the process. How can that be if presumably nobody is contesting that he is the biological father? Does Missouri law actually require this, or is this her way of saying that a possibility exists that he really isn't the father? The little guy has his last name and he's been living with him all along. All this has him wondering now, and he's probably going to get a test regardless. I just find it hard to believe state law requires this unless
1. a man denies he is the father,
2. someone else comes forward claiming to be the father, or
3. the mother believes a man isn't the biological father
Can somebody shed some light on this?

Answer 1

I don't know Missouri statute but in Pennsylvania, yes DNA testing is mandatory not just for the custody but also the child support. It is not a matter if he is not disputing paternity now but he may in the future, many men do because they are dogs. The courts like to have everything in order when the proceedings begin, kinda like dotting your i's and crossing your t's.

Answer 2

All I know is that when you are not married most of the time you have to take a DNA test even if their is no question who the father is. I think this only happens when the women wants child support.