Paternity test – why consent matters

A paternity test cannot be carried out without the consent of the alleged father – or any of the other participants.

Whether you’re taking your paternity test for peace of mind, or the court has ordered you to be tested, everyone involved in your case that has to give a sample must also give consent. In many cases, a test is ordered by the courts because one party has refused to take part in a paternity test, in which case consent is only required from those people who aren’t the subject of the order.

Consent from the mother

In most cases, a paternity test will require consent from the mother for a DNA sample to be taken. This makes the testing process much easier, because the test can eliminate the matching mitochondrial (maternal) DNA, leaving just the father’s DNA to match.

Consent from the child

A DNA sample must be taken from the child so that the paternity test has something to match with the alleged father’s DNA. In this case, consent needs to be given by whoever has responsibility for the child. This could be the mother, the father, an appointed guardian or trustee, or a representative of the authorities, if the child is currently in care.

Consent from the father

A paternity test requires consent from the alleged father. This allows a sample to be taken for matching with the DNA from the child. If more than one alleged father exists, there will need to be two tests, or two samples from the child and mother in order to make matching easier.

It’s important that all parties consent to take the test, so that no person’s rights are violated. That’s why testing bodies send out standard consent forms with their sampling kits, or ask for written consent before a sample is taken. Consent protects those being tested as well as those doing the testing.

International Biosciences offer a broad range of paternity test services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate paternity test at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.

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