Does anyone read the fine print these days - I don't mean the small print at the bottom of your small appliance contract - I mean the fine print still found in black and white ink newspapers that concern your neighborhood events.

In local 08817,08818,08820,08837,08899 and 08840, there are still freely distributed newspapers that have quietly reported on two worrisome events in the last 5 months, not usually associated with these zipcodes.

The first headline read "Two men charged with Luring in Metuchen" and the second read "Edison Police search for man who may have approached girl".  These reports are frightening to any parent with young children.  There's no follow up or closing copy to these cases, so we can only assume that either the events are isolated or that these individuals are out on our streets just looking for an opportunity.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that every 26 seconds another child becomes lost or missing.  Nearly 2,000,000 American children per year are lost, kidnapped, missing or runaway.  While DNA or dentition cannot locate a missing person, DNA is the gold standard of human identification and can assist authorities in the time of emergency. 

For parents who have already gone through the Paternity Testing process, the upside benefit is that you have a DNA Profile of your child to offer to local authorities, in the event a child becomes lost, missing, or kidnapped.   For the modern, 21st Century parent, the best method to safeguard your school aged child - is to have a DNA Profile taken by a private facility and kept with your child's other identifying documents.  A  genetic profile is also recommended for Alzheimer's patients and civilians working in foreign countries considered at risk.

Check with your local dentist or childcare facility to determine if they participate in the Child Safety Identification programs being offered by local DNA collection sites.  Set up a Child Safety Day and have a DNA collector come to your site.  Today's DNA collection is non-invasive and within 3-5 business days, parents can add another tool in the Safeguarding of their children.   

Day in and day out, we pick up the phone and hear different voices -  alleged fathers, worried new moms, adults in search of parents, grandparents with a nagging doubt about a grandchild but most of all - just people, like you and me, with questions about the DNA testing process

Often times the young men (alleged fathers) are concerned about the child, but also just want to protect themselves.   There are the young men, though who are shell shocked about the situation because they haven't had any contact with the new mother in months.  Recently I met a young guy, who was seeing the new born baby for the first time on the day of the Paternity Test.  His reaction was a "handshake and congratulations" to the new mom?  Is it cultural or was this sad?  Nine months ago this young couple were so close that they conceived a child (allegedly) together and today they can barely be in the same room with one another.   I have had other couples, who because of circumstances need a Court Admissible Paternity Test, and when I try to photograph the couple, I can barely get them close enough to be in the same photo. 

The women, if they have just given birth are either angry or just feeling lousy and want to get the whole process over whereas the grandparents are only inquiring on behalf of their "son".  Whatever the circumstances, the DNA Lady provides answers and assurance that DNA testing is the most conclusive method available to prove a biological relationship. 

I also work with adults, who have spent the better part of their adult life searching for a biological parent.  There is sometimes a happy ending and after 30 something years of "not knowing" , "just not sure", "mom, wasn't clear on her information" - we find the long lost fathers - in another state but willing and interested in having the DNA test.   I think I get the most satisfaction out of these test - because the parties involved are usually very happy to be tested and truly concerned with the outcome of the tests. 

Below is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions about DNA and Paternity Tests and a link to a site that provides responses. If you have other questions, please feel free to submit your questions directly to the DNA Lady via this blog or call us 732-632-8820 for a personal discussion on your case. 

www.dnatestingnewark.

[+]Why would I need a DNA test?

[+]Who is tested in a paternity test?

[+]How accurate are DNA tests?

[+]What is used for a DNA test sample?

[+]How are the DNA samples collected?

[+]Can tested parties live in different cities?

[+]When will I receive my paternity test results?

[+]Can I use DNA Services of America's test results in court?

[+]How can I pay for my DNA test?

[+]Does DNA Services of America offer a payment plan?

[+]How do I make an appointment for my DNA test?

[+]What should I bring to my Legal DNA sample collection appointment?

[+]Is the mother's DNA sample required for a paternity test?

[+]Is it a problem if there are two possible fathers and they are related?

[+]Can I do a paternity test before the baby is born?

[+]How much will my DNA test cost?

[+]Is there a DNA sample collection location near me?

[+]What happens at the DNA sample collection appointment?

[+]Will my DNA test results be legally defensible?

[+]Can DNA test results be used to obtain child support?

[+]What does "chain of custody process" mean?

[+]Who is entitled to receive the DNA paternity test results?



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The Law Firm of Osei & Nelson, LLC
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609-948-8144


Toll Free 1-866-916-9191
www.oseilaw.us
Robert L. Munoz, Esq.
21 Brant Avenue
Clark, NJ   07066
Phone:  732-340-9785
Fax:  732-340-0610
munozesq@aol.com


Co-Chair, Family Law Committee
Trustee, Union County Bar Association

Test 90999 on your cell phone and you will instantly become part of the millions of people around the world trying to assist in the Haitian crisis.


Test 90999 on your cell phone and you will instantly become part of the millions of people around the world trying to assist in the Haitian crisis.


In-State Tuition Bills- S1036/S1933 & A194/A990

The proposed In-State Tuition Bills would allow all residents (legal and non-documented) of New Jersey to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public institutions of higher education.  This bill would benefit the entire State of New Jersey by allowing all students that have graduated with good grades, demonstrated good character, and attended at least three years of high school in New Jersey to pay the same tuition regardless of citizen or immigration status.

Currently, undocumented  students who are residents of New Jersey are required to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which could be up to double the resident state tuition rates.  For many the higher rate goes beyond their financial means impeding their ability to attend college.  In addition, only U.S. citizens are entitled to Federal Student Aid for college.

This bill affects those individuals who have grown up in New Jersey, have attended and graduated from New Jersey public or non-public school system, and who are residents with New Jersey roots who are committed to becoming citizens. Very often these students came to this country because their family was fleeing political, religious or economic instability, a decision made by the parents not the student.  Yet, despite the many obstacles they have faced, these students worked hard and succeeded in school. 

This bill would reward them for their hard work, initiative and desire to pursue higher education to become productive members of our communities.  When talented students in our communities are prevented from reaching their full potential, we all suffer.  However, we are also opening the door for state and federal aid to be divided among a larger population, by allowing non-documented families access to these funds.  The bills have solid arguments on both sides of the coin and should be decided shortly.  

The advice on this blog is not meant to replace that of your physician.  Please talk directly to your doctor if you think you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of Post Partum Depression.  PPD is a treatable condition that some women experience after giving birth.  Prior to your discharge from the hospital, a nurse or Social Worker should have discussed some of the signs of PPD.  Your hormones, life experience and circumstances may influence how you feel after birth.  As a DNA collector, I meet with so many parents from all walks of life - PPD knows no boundaries, social or economic status.  Sometimes a quick check-up with your doctor, share your concerns with him/her and you're on your way to feeling better.  Other times, you may need a little more help.  Today, women are sharing their feelings more and more on the subject of PPD - find a local mom's group, a local on-line forum - somewhere to share your feelings with other moms who have possibly felt the same way.  Before you leave the hospital, make a friend with another new mom - you can coach each other on milestones of being a new mommy.   

Signs of Possible PostPartum Depression (PPD)

Feelings of restlessness and irritability

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Crying Frequently

No Energy or No Motivation

Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits (other than usual interruptions experienced by new moms and dads)

Lack of Mental Clarity, fogginess or trouble making decisions

Withdrawal from family, friends and activities (other than those you would not normally do after surgery or those you cannot do as a new mom)

Headaches, chest pains or heart palpitations

Having no interest or questionable interest in infant care

 

Steps to Relieving PPD

Talk with your doctor immediately

Talk to family, friends, clergy and other new moms

Join a new mom chat group or on-line forum

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to return to a "normal" routine

Ask others for help with household chores (this includes the new dad)

Try to get out of the house everyday - get some sunlight - get some adult time

Catch up with your rest (take naps when baby is sleeping)

Having some of the signs or all of the sign of PPD does not make you a bad mother.  Know the signs and get help.

One possible cause of anxiety in a new mom's life, is the doubt of the paternity of a child.  The DNA Lady offers non-invasive, private DNA tests in the comfort of your hospital room, our private office or your home.  Call us for information and set up a convenient appointment. 

A young couple inquire about a DNA test for their new baby.  The mother, interested in proving her fidelity to this young man while the "alleged" father was interested in removing family doubts.  It seems that his family, over the holidays had chided him that this baby "doesn't look like any of us".  His aunt even went so far as to say - "this baby is too light skinned to be from our family".  Besides the insensitivity of it all, with the "melting pot" that our society has become today - no one can really know the entire contents of their own DNA, really.

In any case, the DNA collection and identification process were explained but the young man expected his medical insurance plan would cover the cost.  However, Paternity Testing is not medically relevant information so medical or health insurance companies do not cover the cost for Paternity Tests.   

It is January 7th, everyone is getting back to work and feeling the pressure of the looming big holiday bills.  No matter what the media reports, we all spent too much and this young couple were no different.  They had a new baby and he needed lots of new things and it was his first Christmas and it was their first Christmas as a family.  There are so many good reasons why - the money spent on a Paternity Test to solidify this child's future - were instead spent on Christmas presents.

The DNA Lady attempts to provide alternatives and so the process of going to Family Court to sign up for a State Funded Paternity Test was offered along with all of the methods under which child support will then be collected in the event that this young man is the father.  A hired collector from an out of state lab sits in a room in the courthouse, with a big DNA sign on the door, and one by one the families shuffle in to have their DNA collected. 

Income Withholding - salary garnishment
License Suspension - driver's, professional and occupational are suspended if a child support bench warrant issued
Asset Seizure - if the child support falls behind 3 months, a lien can be placed on checking and savings accounts
Credit Reporting - past due amounts are reported to credit reporting agencies, thereby lowering your credit score
Lottery and Tax Refunds Intercept - very clear, if the child support payment exceeds $1000 the State can take your lottery winnings or tax refunds, property tax refunds, or homestead rebates.
Passport Denial  - if a parent owes $5000 or more, the State can withhold issuance of a new or renewed  passport.
New Hire Reports to the State - all employers are required to report information on newly hired employees.  This information is then matched to an Automated Child Support Enforcement System and can generate a wage withholding.

The young couple will receive their DNA Paternity Test results by early next week from the DNA Lady.  The young couple will then privately agree on how to raise their beautiful new baby boy and in the event there is a child support issue - the mother has a document and file with which to pursue child support and the father has a document and file with which to pursue child visitation rights.  Their privacy is maintained, the child will know his parents and this young man does not have to worry about an employer finding out private information about him - now or in the future.  Everyone's dignity is in tact and the State of New Jersey, already broke from overspending gets to save a few dollars in this very tough economy and manhours because they do not have to get involved in what is a very, private issue for some families.


 
An article in the New York Times dated January 1, 2010 tells the story of 4 undocumented students, leaving from Florida on the 1500 mile trek to the nation's Capital to highlight the need for Immigration Reform.  The four young men plan on visiting different state offices along the way to speak directly to representatives who are not voting in favor of reform. 

Their particular plight is timely because high school students are now in the process of submitting their Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) applications.  Many students have been accepted to the schools of their dreams but College costs what they are today, there are few who can attend without financial assistance.  Federal Financial Aid is available to U.S. Citizens or those with Resident or Permanency Cards.  Undocumented students are not eligible for Federal Aid and as of this writing, New Jersey is debating on whether the very same undocumented students should be eligible for in-state aid.  It was surprising to note in a few conversations this week with local school associations that the "eligibility" requirement was not clear to some.   

One of the young men involved in the march from Florida to Washington, was accepted to Duke University but is not able to attend because he is not eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid.  All of the young men are placing themselves at risk for deportation by this public display.  How sad for them to have come so far and worked so hard - only to be set back by circumstances and events beyond his control.   Had their families thought about correcting their U.S. status while these young men were still in elementary or high school, then at least one would be attending Duke University instead of marching to Washington.

Financial Aid Counselors may find it difficult to bring this subject up to certain students.  In this day of "political correctness"; maybe it would be considered rude for a counselor to broach the subject with a student or his family.  But I think the consequences far outweigh the possible "profiling" nature of the subject.  Since it is high school guidance and financial aid counselors who come into contact with students - it should be incumbent on the counselors to let the families know that DNA tests can expedite family based visas.  Since there is the usual paperwork and bureaucracy involved, starting the process while the children are either in elementary or early in high school is recommended.  Local Legal Aid Societies and other not for profit agencies are all involved in assisting undocumented families become reunited and achieve permanency in the United States.   

The United States needs more young people with the fortitude and courage that these young men exhibit.
 
The DNA Lady, owns a DNA collection facility in Metuchen, NJ.  If you need a referral to one of the not for profit agencies in your area, call 732-632-8820 and we will supply names, phone numbers and addresses of someone nearby depending on your circumstances - either not for profit or of legal counsel.

FAFSA applications also require that parents' disclose full financial information, irrespective of the parent's role in the child's life.  If you need a DNA test to prove/disprove Paternity or Maternity, or any other biological relationship - we're here to help, as well.