Court Rules Men Can Order Paternity Tests

ANNAPOLIS, Md. —  Maryland’s highest court has ruled that men who have acknowledged fathering a child can challenge the paternity agreement years later and have courts order DNA or other tests.

A majority of the judges ruled that blood or genetic tests that can determine paternity must be ordered if requested by the men, saying fairness and truth outweigh other considerations.

Critics said the interests of the child should be taken into account, adding that they fear the ruling will inspire thousands of men to seek new tests to free themselves of long-standing child-support orders.