Man Claims Genetics Does Not Prove Paternity

In the case of Englund v. Kiser, an Arlington, Texas woman is battling an emotional and legal struggle to prove that the man she believes is her child’s father is indeed the biological parent. The woman, Englund, claims that her baby is tongue-tied, just like his alleged father, Kiser, a genetic trait she says is enough to confirm paternity. However, Kiser disputes this claim, stating that sharing a genetic trait does not automatically mean he is the father of the child.

The dispute began after Englund noticed that her infant appeared to have a tongue-tie, a condition where the frenulum, the small piece of tissue under the tongue, is too short or tight, limiting movement. Englund, who herself has had a tongue-tie, recognized the signs in her baby and immediately wondered if Kiser, the man she had been romantically involved with, could be the father. Kiser, however, disagrees with her reasoning and insists that a physical trait alone is not enough to establish paternity.

“My son’s tongue-tie doesn’t mean I’m automatically his father,” Kiser argued. “Yes, I have it, but that’s not enough to say I’m the father. Genetics are far more complex than that, and I don’t think it’s right to assume just because we share a trait that we are biologically connected.”

Englund, on the other hand, maintains that the presence of a genetic trait common to both her baby and Kiser is a strong indicator of paternity. She expressed frustration with Kiser’s refusal to acknowledge what she believes is the obvious connection. For Englund, the issue is not just about the tongue-tie, but also the desire to confirm the truth for the sake of her child. She believes that knowing who the biological father is will provide the child with a sense of identity and stability, especially as the child grows older and starts asking questions.

“This isn’t just about me,” Englund explained in court. “It’s about my son knowing who his father is. I’m not asking for anything other than the truth. If Kiser is the father, then that’s what I want for my child — the certainty that comes with knowing who he is.”

The case has become a legal and emotional battle over what constitutes proof of paternity. While sharing a genetic trait like tongue-tie might seem like compelling evidence to Englund, legal experts caution that it is not sufficient on its own to prove paternity. The court is now considering whether to order a paternity test to provide scientific clarity and settle the issue once and for all.

Kiser’s reluctance to undergo a paternity test is based on his belief that the presence of the tongue-tie is merely coincidental. “It’s possible that many people could have the same condition,” Kiser argued. “Genetics don’t work the way people want them to. It’s not about one simple trait. I’m not denying the baby, but that doesn’t mean I’m the father just because of this.”

Despite his objections, Kiser is facing increasing pressure from Englund and her legal team to submit to a DNA test, which would conclusively determine whether he is the father. The test would not only end the current dispute but also provide the legal certainty that Englund is seeking in order to establish child support, custody, and visitation arrangements. Without the paternity test, these issues remain in limbo, leaving both parties in uncertainty.

The legal battle has taken an emotional toll on both Englund and Kiser. Englund has expressed feelings of betrayal and frustration, particularly because she feels that Kiser’s refusal to undergo the paternity test has led to unnecessary complications. Kiser, while acknowledging that the situation is difficult, continues to insist that the presence of a genetic trait alone is not proof of paternity. He has maintained that he is willing to support the child but is unwilling to accept responsibility without definitive proof.

“I care about the child, and I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Kiser said. “But I also need to know the truth. I can’t just assume something based on a coincidence, and I don’t think it’s fair to make me responsible without solid evidence.”

As the case progresses, the court will likely have to order a paternity test to settle the matter. A DNA test would provide an indisputable answer, determining whether Kiser is indeed the biological father of the child. While this test may bring closure to the issue, it could also have long-term implications for the family dynamic, particularly if the results do not align with Englund’s belief that Kiser is the father.

For Englund, the outcome of the case is about more than just confirming paternity. It’s about giving her child the certainty of knowing who his father is and ensuring that he has the right to grow up with both biological and emotional connections to his family. She is hopeful that the court will recognize the importance of having a clear answer for the child’s well-being.

“If Kiser is the father, then I want him to be a part of our son’s life,” Englund said. “But if he’s not, then I want to move forward with the truth. I just want my son to know who he is and who he comes from.”

For Kiser, the paternity test may bring a sense of relief, but it could also change the course of his relationship with Englund and her child. Whether the results confirm or deny paternity, both parties will have to come to terms with the consequences, and the child’s future will ultimately be shaped by the outcome.

As the court awaits the decision on the paternity test, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in proving biological connections, especially when emotions and family dynamics are at stake. For Englund, the hope is that the truth will set her and her child on the path to clarity, regardless of the outcome.

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