Alabama § 26-17A-1 - Reopening of Paternity Case.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 26-17A-1 — Reopening of Paternity Case., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-17A-1. Reopening of Paternity Case.
(a) Upon petition of the defendant in a paternity proceeding where the defendant has been declared the legal father, the case shall be reopened if there is scientific evidence presented by the defendant that he is not the father. The court shall admit into evidence any scientific test recognized by the court that has been conducted in accordance with established scientific principles or the court may order a blood test, or a Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid test of the mother, father, and child. Whenever the court orders a test and any of the persons to be tested refuse to submit to the test, the fact shall be disclosed at the trial, unless good cause is shown.
(b) The test shall be made by a qualified expert approved by the court. The expert may be called by the court or any party as a witness to testify to the test results and shall be subject to cross-examination by the parties. The test results may be admitted into evidence. If more than one test is performed and the results are conflicting, none of the test results shall be admissible as evidence of paternity or nonpaternity.
(c) Compensation of the expert witness shall be paid by the petitioner.
(d) In the event the child has been adopted the matter of paternity may not be reopened under this chapter.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 26-17A-1
What does Code of Alabama § 26-17A-1 cover?
Section 26-17A-1 ("Reopening of Paternity Case.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 26-17A-1?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 26-17A-1" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 26-17A-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.