HB641 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike BallJim BartonJim PattersonDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Paternity, presumption regarding father of child when mother married, alleged father not married to mother may rebut with genetic testing, costs, Sec. 26-17-607 am'd.

Summary

HB641 would require courts to order genetic testing to determine paternity for certain alleged fathers not married to the mother within two years of a child's birth, with the testing costs paid by the alleged father.

What This Bill Does

If an alleged father not married to the mother petitions within two years of birth and shows clear and convincing evidence of a sexual relationship with the mother around conception, the court must order genetic testing to determine paternity. The alleged father would be responsible for paying all costs of the genetic testing. After testing, the court may determine the father of the child based on the results.

Who It Affects

• Alleged fathers not married to the mother who petition within two years of a child’s birth; they would be required to pay all costs of genetic testing and could have paternity determined by the court based on the results.
• Mothers, their spouses (potential legal fathers), and their children in paternity cases; the court may order genetic testing to challenge or confirm paternity, which could change who is legally recognized as the father.

Key Provisions

• Within two years of a child’s birth, a court must order genetic testing for an alleged father not married to the mother who petitions and provides clear and convincing evidence of a sexual relationship with the mother at or near conception.
• The alleged father shall pay all costs associated with the genetic testing.
• The court may thereafter determine the father of the child based on the test results.
• The act amends Section 26-17-607 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to incorporate these requirements, with an effective date on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law