In proceedings involving Children there can sometimes be a dispute as to the true paternity of a child.  This may be relevant in relation to finances (because there may or may not be a duty to pay child maintenance for that child) and sometimes in relation to contact between a father and a child.

If there are Court proceedings in place then the Court will usually order a Paternity test if either party raises the possibility that there is doubt as to who is the father of the child.  If there are no proceedings then the parties may agree to look into this anyway.

The test has to be conducted by an approved company and sometimes the Court can provide suggestions.  A simple search over the Internet reveals a number of companies who provide these tests but it is important that they provide “Court approved” tests and they should say so on their websites.

Testing kits are sent out either to a GP or to an approved clinic and samples are taken by way of a simple mouth swab.  Ideally the mother, father and the child provide samples but if the mother is not contactable then just the father and child can do so.  Costs vary between companies and the GP or clinic may also charge a fee.

Samples are usually processed fairly quickly and are available within a few days.

Image credit: Micah's DNA  (detail) CC BY-SA 2.0 Micha Baldwin