PointBlank,
I think that was the one that Elsewhere posted earlier as well. I didn't know that a paternity test was that easy. It's good to know, since ensuring that my ex not know is a VERY important factor for me, because of the concerns I posted. Thanks, Else and PB.
May also very likely segregate her from her siblings. I've seen this and it's very, very sad - especially in pre-teen years.
Aude_Sapere,
I have considered this as well. If she is NOT my child, I will still raise her as my own. I will however ask the Judge to prevent my ex from saying anything to her (until it is necessary), to hopefully prevent this segregation.
The one reason why I want to know is that my ex has done enough crazy things, that if I don't "adopt" her as my own, that she may try to take her from me and her siblings, without consideration for her stability.
BUT ALWAYS PUT THIS CHILDS WELL BEING UP FRONT.
Outoftheorg,
I agree wholeheartedly. It is good that your "not finding out" worked out well for you and your family. The one difference that may warrant me doing things differently than you is that my ex does not have the "walk out on us" mentality. She has the "take all the kids that she can and run away so that they never get to see their father again mentality". I have won a few battles already to prevent this from happening. This is just another one that I am trying to prevent this worse-case scenario.
I compared my blood type to my parents to make sure it matched up. Your child could make a shocking discovery on his/her own.
Elsewhere,
See? That's one thing I hadn't thought of yet. Thanks!! IMO, it is ALWAYS better for the parents to tactfully reveal something big like that to their children, rather than leaving that to chance.
If you consider being a parent only a biological reality, go for the DNA test. If you are above that limitation, love her without conditions. That is real parentage.
Carmel,
Thanks for your assessment, but if you read the whole thread, you will see why it is not that cut-and-dried. I am above the "limitation" you speak of, I do and will "love her without conditions", but it is possible to do that and also realize that there are bigger reasons that a DNA test is still beneficial.
Thanks for all of your input so far. If you think of anything else, keep the suggestions coming.
Brad