26.26.570 - Proceeding to adjudicate parentage -- Admissibility of results of genetic testing -- Expenses. - Washington Statutes

Proceeding to adjudicate parentage — Admissibility of results of genetic testing — Expenses.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, a record of a genetic testing expert is admissible as evidence of the truth of the facts asserted in the report unless a party objects to its admission within fourteen days after its receipt by the objecting party and cites specific grounds for exclusion. The admissibility of the report is not affected by whether the testing was performed:

     (a) Voluntarily or under an order of the court or a support enforcement agency; or

     (b) Before or after the commencement of the proceeding.

     (2) A party objecting to the results of genetic testing may call one or more genetic testing experts to testify in person or by telephone, videoconference, deposition, or another method approved by the court. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the party offering the testimony bears the expense for the expert testifying.

     (3) If a child has a presumed, acknowledged, or adjudicated father, the results of genetic testing are inadmissible to adjudicate parentage unless performed:

     (a) With the consent of both the mother and the presumed, acknowledged, or adjudicated father; or

     (b) Under an order of the court under RCW 26.26.405.

     (4) Copies of bills for genetic testing and for prenatal and postnatal health care for the mother and child that are furnished to the adverse party not less than ten days before the date of a hearing are admissible to establish:

     (a) The amount of the charges billed; and

     (b) That the charges were reasonable, necessary, and customary.

[2002 c 302 § 521.]