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A legal paternity test is used to clarify more than your peace of mind.
A legal paternity test is required when there is a need to prove paternity in a court of law, changing the name on a birth certificate, child custody cases, will and probate disputes and dealing with immigration applications.
Therefore its important to let the DNA Worldwide team of case managers know as much information as possible about your case, to give you the best advice and to secure a positive outcome for everyone involved.
How the law defines if you're the father
Until it is officially declared otherwise, a man is presumed to be the legal father if he's married to the mother when the child is born. It is also presumed you're the father when your name is on the birth certificate of the child. If the mother tells a child support agency who the father is, they will assume he is the father, until he has taken the steps to get himself DNA tested against the child.
The named father will have to pay child support up until he can prove otherwise that he is not the father by a paternity test. The father will have to pay for the paternity test whilst also paying for child support. However all will be refunded if its proved by the paternity test that he is not the father.
Is there any legal legislation covering paternity in the UK?
In the UK there are various forms of legislation that is used for legal paternity testing, this includes:
- Family Law Reform Act 1969
- Family Law Act 1986
- Births & Deaths Registration Act 1953
- Human Tissue Act 2004
The family justice system has a view that the best practice is to always identify the true biological link with both mother and father, and the sooner it can be known the better it is for all parties involved. This is the case when trying to limit the potentially damaging emotional trauma that can be suffered by the child.
Is a legal paternity test different from a peace of mind paternity test?
The test is the same in terms of methodology, however the legal paternity test will need to taken by a professional doctor, nurse or approved sampler. Where as a peace of mind paternity test can be self administered, removing the need and cost of a professional doctor, nurse or approved sampler.
The results of the test won't be any different, the way in which we determine the biological link is the same. DNA Worldwide guarantee a conclusive result of 99.9999% positive proof of paternity or 100% exclusion of paternity. We test for more DNA markers than any other DNA testing company, so we can assure you that you will get a conclusive result. The results of the paternity test can be expected back within 3-5 business days.
Want to know more or not sure what the next steps are?
The DNA Worldwide expert team of case managers will provide you with advice and support throughout your case to chose the right DNA test for you. If you would like to know more then please call 0845 257 1217. Alternatively you can fill out a contact request form and one of our team members will contact you during working hours.