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DNA Paternity Test – The Rights of the Child

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Recent DNA Paternity Test legislation means that the rights of the child are now put before those of mothers who may not want their children to know who their fathers are.

DNA Paternity Test

There are many emotional factors relating to parenthood, and a wide range of scenarios where a DNA paternity test is necessary.

      • Confirming identity - A DNA paternity test can be necessary to establish who the biological father is, for example due to an affair. Possible ramifications include the issues of child care and visitation rights for the man in question.
      • Donor Dads - If a child is that of a sperm donor and has a desire to locate its biological father, a DNA paternity test can confirm their research if they believe they have located their alleged father.
      • Fathers’ rights - If a father is being denied access to a child on the grounds that the mother claims it not to be his, he can get legal access to that child if his relationship is proven by a DNA paternity test. DNA paternity tests can be vital in custody court cases.

Child Access

There are also numerous scenarios where a child might be denied access to their biological father. A mother who believes the father to be unfit, for example, would be trying to protect her child. The law has recently changed, however, and the rights of the child now supersede those of the mother. The Children Act of 1989 states that the child’s welfare is the most important consideration and having access to both parents is of paramount importance. Until recently unmarried fathers had no automatic right for contact, but since the law changed in December 2003, a father who was present at the registration of the birth holds rights equal to those of the mother. A DNA paternity test is not required in such circumstances, even if the couple are not married.

DNA Paternity Test – Equal Responsibility

Although there was some imbalance in the rights of fathers in the past, the pendulum has swung the other way thanks to campaigning groups such as Fathers for Justice. A common misconception is that DNA paternity tests are only used in custody battles where the mother is searching for child support from an unwilling father, but now many fathers use DNA paternity tests to gain equal access to their child. Anna Nicole Smith, for example, reluctantly agreed to a DNA paternity test as two men claimed to be her child’s father.

Mothers For Justice

This new law has caused great distress to some mothers, especially those who have suffered violent or inhospitable relationship breakups. Some short relationships, where the parents have not married, can be more difficult for those concerned. Just as some fathers felt their rights had been taken away, some mothers feel the same and now a new group, Mothers for Justice, has been set up in response to changes in the law.

More Than Just Biology

The 'nature versus nurture' debate is ongoing. Some believe that parenthood is not just about a DNA paternity test, but rather that fatherhood should be based on an adult’s ability to be responsible and loving towards the child. There are many adoptive fathers out there who do an admirable job of bringing up children who aren’t their biological offspring. Similarly, many fathers who have had a DNA paternity test to prove they are the child’s father, are not as capable of being good parents. Acrimony between parents can leave an emotional minefield for the child.

Child’s Welfare Comes First

A child’s welfare should come first and every child has the right to know who their parents are – which is where a DNA paternity test can help.


Who’zTheDaddy? offer a wide choice of At Home Paternity Test services designed to provide accurate answers to emotional questions. Whether you are looking to verify paternity, confirm siblingship or research genealogy, for peace of mind or for legal use, we are able to provide the appropriate At Home Paternity Test at the most competitive rates, confidentially and professionally.

Using state-of-the-art technology we are able to provide conclusive results on time, every time. Click here to contact one of our knowledgeable customer service advisors by telephone or email.

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