When an unmarried couple has a child, paternity is not a given. In the eyes of the law, the mother is the sole parent of the child. A father is not recognized as having legal rights in relation to the child until paternity is established.

Some people see paternity tests as an amusing gag you see on day time talk shows. Others, who are going through a serious custody battle, see it otherwise. Some men, for personal reasons, may decide to fight a finding of paternity test.