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Paternity testing in a nutshell

A paternity test is conducted to prove whether a man is the biological father of another individual. This may be relevant in view of the responsibilities of the father. A maternity test can also be carried out. This is less common because at least during childbirth, it is obvious who the mother is.

An individuals DNA is almost exactly the same in each and every somatic cell. Sexual reproduction joins the DNA of both parents in a random way to create a unique combination of genetic material in a new cell. So the genetic make up of an individual is derived from the genetic material of their parents. This genetic material is known as the nuclear genome of a person, because it is found in the nucleus.

Comparing the DNA sequence of one individual to that of another, can show if one of them was derived from the other or not. Specific sequences are looked at to see if they were copied exactly from one individuals genome to the other. If so, then this proves that the genetic material of one individual was derived from that of the other, meaning one is the parent of the other. Besides the nuclear DNA in the nucleus, the mitochondria in the cells also have their own genetic material, termed the mitochondria genome.

Mitochondria DNA comes only from the mother.

Genome Geography

Proving a relationship based on comparison of the mitochondria genome is much easier than that based on the nuclear genome. Testing the mitochondria genome however, can only prove if two individuals are related by common descent through maternal lines, only from a common ancestor and is therefore of limited value which means for instance, it could not be used to test for paternity.

Discovering that a child either is or isn't one's own is something that a parent can undertake at their own expense, without informing anyone either about the test or its result. In the United Kingdom, this situation will change when the Human Tissue Act comes into force. Section 45 states that it will be an offence to possess any bodily material, with the intent that any human DNA in the material be analyzed without qualifying consent.

Tests can and have been ordered by courts, when proof of paternity is required.

Teen pleads for dad's identity (Detroit News)

MOUNT CLEMENS -- A Macomb County circuit judge will decide in the upcoming weeks whether a teenager's lawsuit against his mother -- seeking to force her to reveal the identity of his biological father -- can continue.

technorati tags:fathers, identity

Paternity Test (Metropolitan News-Enterprise)

At the time of Seanna’s birth, the identity of Seanna’s biological father was unknown, because Seanna had been conceived during the time that then-15-year-old Suedi was engaging in sexual relations with both Anthony, then 29, and another man identified as Gabriel P., then 21. Suedi had led each man to believe he was the child’s father, but ultimately pursued a relationship with Anthony because

technorati tags:paternity, test

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Paternityzone is a non-profit organization offering free and unbiased help and support for DNA paternity tests, paternity testing services and other paternity related issues.

We give information on the various kinds of paternity test and which paternity test is right for which scenario.

We are pro-family and passionately believe that everyone has a right to know where they have come from. We really hope that you are able to find what you are looking for on our site.

What is DNA Paternity Testing?
Paternity testing is carried out to establish the relationship of two individuals. Normally, DNA samples are collected from the cheek
cells of the individuals involved in the paternity testing procedure. DNA identification is the most precise method available for determining a biological
relationship.

Paternity Test

A paternity test is a test carried out by comparing a father's and child's DNA. This enables one to ascertain, with a probability of 99.99% whether the putative father is, or is not the biological father. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the putative father to check for evidence of this inheritance, this is the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.

The result of a DNA paternity test is either a 100% exclusion (the putative father is not the biological father), or an inclusion (the putative father is considered the biological father).

Test between Brothers (Y-Chromosome-Test)

The Y-Chromosome method allows brothers to clarify whether they have the same father. A saliva sample from the father is not necessary. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out a grand fatherhood test, on the father’s side.

An analysis to find a Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) is possible using a combination of researched genealogies, Y-STR DNA test results, and statistical formulas.

Y-chromosome markers provide researchers (i.e., forensic scientists, evolutionary biologists, genealogists, and anthropologists) a useful tool for studying human migration patterns, evolution, paternally-linked relationships and identification. It has also been used to help locate the geographical origin of all human beings.

Test between Sisters (X-STR-Test)

The X-STR-Method allows sisters to clarify whether they have the same father. A saliva sample from the father is not necessary. Furthermore, X-STR makes testing grandmother's and granddaughters possible.

Test with Trace Samples

When a DNA test with trace samples is carried out, a person’s DNA is isolated from the trace samples. Trace samples can come from, for example, a razor, a toothbrush or a moistened postage stamp.

Reconstruction

When carrying out a DNA-Reconstruction, the DNA from one person for whom no trace samples are available, is reconstructed by taking DNA samples from children or siblings etc. This means that the DNA from children or siblings etc. is used to construct a DNA profile for the person in question. The reconstructed DNA makes it possible to carry out a comparison test, for example a paternity or maternity test.

Maternity Test

A maternity test compares the DNA of the mother and child. This confirms or excludes motherhood to a probability of 99.99%.

Mitochondria-DNA-Test

A Mitochondria-DNA-test enables one to tell whether two persons are related on the mother’s side.

Test for Twins

A DNA test for twins enables one to determine whether twins are identical or fraternal.

Laws vary from country to country, consequently you need to locally verify the information on this page before taking action.

 

Paternity leave

If you are a working father, you are entitled to one or two weeks’ paternity leave when you and your partner have a child.

Some other people are also entitled to paternity leave – see below.

You can also qualify for paternity leave when you adopt a child.

Most fathers will be entitled to statutory paternity pay for their paternity leave. Statutory paternity pay is paid at the same rate as statutory maternity pay.

To qualify for paternity leave for a birth, you must:-

• Be employed and have worked for your employer for 41 weeks by the time your baby is due; and
• Be the biological father of the child, or be married to or be the partner of the baby's mother (this includes same-sex partners, whether or not they are registered civil partners); and
• Have some responsibility for the child's upbringing; and
• Have given your employer the correct notice to take paternity leave.

To qualify for paternity leave for an adoption, you must:

• Be employed for at least 26 weeks by the time you are matched with your child for adoption. (You will not be entitled to paternity leave or pay if you already know the child, for example, if it's your stepchild).
• Not be taking adoption leave. (Where you and a partner are adopting a child, one of you can take adoption leave and one paternity leave)
• Have some responsibility for the child's upbringing.
• Have given your employer the correct notice to take paternity leave.

 

When can you take paternity leave?

If you are taking paternity leave for a birth, the leave can start either on the day the baby is born or on a date that has been agreed in advance with your employer. Your paternity leave cannot start before the baby is born, and, if you are agreeing a date later than the birth of your baby, it must be completed within 56 of days of the birth.

If you are taking paternity leave for an adoption, the leave can start either on the day that the child is placed with you, or on a date that has been agreed in advance with your employer. If you are agreeing a later leave date later than the date your child was placed with you, the leave must be completed within 56 days of the adoption date.

 

Telling the employer about your paternity leave

You need to be able to show your employer that you are entitled to paternity leave. To do this you must give the employer the following information:-

• Your name.
• The date the baby is due or the date of the birth.
• If you are adopting a child you should give the date that you were matched with your child or the date on which the child is placed with you.
• The date when you would like your paternity leave (and pay) to start.
• Whether you are taking one or two week's paternity leave.
• A declaration that you are entitled to paternity leave.
• A declaration that you are taking leave to support the mother or care for the child.

You must also give your employer notice that you want to take paternity leave. The notice must be in writing if your employer asks for written notice. You must give notice 15 weeks before the baby is due or, if this is not practical, as soon as possible once you know you want to take leave. If you are adopting a child, you must give notice no later than seven days after the date you are matched with your child for adoption. If this is not practical you must give notice as soon as possible once you know you want to take paternity leave.
If you change your mind about when you want to take paternity leave you can, but you should give your employer 28 days' notice of the changed date.

 

The right to ask for flexible working

From 6 April 2003, if you are the parent of a child under six (or under 18 if your child is disabled), you have the right to ask to work flexibly and your employer should consider your request seriously. It is important to understand that although you have the right to ask for flexible working hours, you do not have the right to flexible working. (This will depend on your employer who must consider your request seriously but is not compelled to grant it.) You must also have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks and must be responsible for your child on a day to day basis. You can make one request to work flexibly each year.
Flexible working can include working part time, working school hours, working flexitime, home working, job sharing, shift working, staggering hours and compressing hours (where you work your total number of agreed hours over a shorter period).

There is a standard procedure that employers and employees must follow when making a request to work flexibly and considering the request. More information can be found at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau or the department for trade and industry web sites.

Wesley Snipes - San Francisco Chronicle

Wesley Snipes San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - Aug 1, 2006 ... The case was dropped by the New York City Law Department when another man took a paternity test establishing him as the child's biological father. ...

Man to pay Rs 1.5 lakh for jilting woman - Times of India

Man to pay Rs 1.5 lakh for jilting woman Times of India, India - Jul 31, 2006 ... for trial in a sessions court. In court, he denied knowing the victim. But, a paternity test confirmed that Qadir was the father.

Jurors Get Case of Girl's Fatal Plunge - Los Angeles Times

Jurors Get Case of Girl's Fatal Plunge Los Angeles Times,?CA?- 14 minutes ago ... Brown used a condom when they first had sex, it is also understandable that he did not believe Key was carrying his child until a paternity test proved it ...

Adoption: Just another Way to Become a Family (Southern Illinoisan)

Some say that adoption is just another way to become a family. Through the ages, adoption has been the solution for individuals and couples who were unable to have a child of their own. Adoption has also served as a means of providing care for children whose birth parents could not support them.

technorati tags:Adoption

MyMedLab.com and Chromosomal Laboratory Announce Partnership to ... - FinanceVisor.com (press release)

MyMedLab.com and Chromosomal Laboratory Announce Partnership to ... FinanceVisor.com (press release), CA - Jul 28, 2006 One service that will be available immediately to consumers will be DNA Paternity Testing, or identifying a child’s biological father by DNA. ...

Testing for paternity - Advertiser Adelaide

Testing for paternity Advertiser Adelaide,?Australia?- Jul 21, 2006 The Swinburne National Technology and Society Monitor survey asked respondents to rate their comfort with secret paternity testing on a scale of zero to 10. ...

A Pregnant Women With Two Men in Question as the Possible Father

P. is pregnant. Two men come into question as being the father of her unborn child: her boyfriend and another man. She would like to keep the affair to herself. "It only happened once and my boyfriend is probably the father anyway". In order for her to be certain, she can have the paternity tested: the test can be carried out with her, the child and the other man. If the result is negative, she knows that her boyfriend is the father. If positive, she will have to admit to her boyfriend what happened and accept his reaction.

In a case where there are two possible fathers, the easiest and generally the most cost effective way is for both men to be tested. A test with a reputable company for both men costs in the region of $ 940.00. If, for special reasons, only one man can be tested first and then after the results have been received, the second man, the cost is generally around $ 790.00 for the first test and then $ 390 .- for the second.

We have put together some case studies to give you a better understanding of the various situations that paternity testing can be applied.

Some of the case studies have been contributed by members of our community and some are based on our experience.

If you are unsure of whether the information you require can be derived from a paternity test and cannot find a case study which is comparable to your situation, please post a question to the forum .

Contribute to our case studies and help others.

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Whether it's 50 words or 5000 words - it's up to you! Stories, anecdotes, pictures, reviews, recommendations, experiences, rants, opinions.

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Father in the Middle of Divorce Proceedings

B. is in the middle of divorce proceedings. His wife expressed a sudden wish to separate. Now she has decided that she no longer wants him to see their child, which for B. is incomprehensible. He has found a possible solution to his problem. B's. child doesn't look like him and maybe it is not really his child. The time has come for B to get confirmation. He doesn't want to be taken for an idiot who has no legal right but has to pay until the child is an adult. It would be a lot of money. He decides to discuss a paternity test with his wife, even at the risk of aggravating an already bad situation.

Disbelieving Husband

N. is 39 and has been divorced for six months. She filed for divorce.

She couldn't put up with her husbands mistrust any longer. Then the situation worsened, her husband was doubtful as to whether the two children were really his. "It is as if he called me a slut, directly to my face. I was always faithful and now this, I feel hurt and offended. That's life I suppose. If this is how he wants it, then he can have the paternity tested. I have nothing to lose, I know they are his children".

Subsequent Immigration of Family Members

T. is from Nigeria. He has lived together with his Wife in the USA for 3 years. Unfortunately he had to leave his daughter in Nigeria. He would now like his daughter to join him in America. Before this can happen, he has to provide evidence to the US authorities that confirm that the girl really is his daughter. He decides to have a paternity test which is admissible in a court of law carried out.

Trace Samples: Father Deceased

Y. needs reassurance that his father was his true biological father. Y.’s father passed away a few years ago. Y. retained several letters that his father had sent him.

Traces of his father’s DNA can be found on the underside of the postage stamps on the envelopes in which the letters were contained (traces can also be found on electric shavers, tooth brushes etc.). A test of this nature involves isolating and subsequently analysing the DNA contained in the dried saliva found on the underside of a postage stamp. The father’s DNA can then be compared with that of Y.’s.

Note: Although Y. has a sister, the father’s DNA cannot be reliably reconstructed with that of the brother and sister. It is theoretically possible that both siblings inherited opposing halves of the father’s DNA, which is why the only reliable option is the trace sample test. If necessary, further confirmation that it really was the father that moistened the stamp can be gained by additionally comparing the extracted DNA with that of the sister. If Y. had a brother, a Y-Chromosome-test would be more suitable.

Y-Chromosome-Test

J. is 45. His father died one year ago. J. did not want to cause his elderly father undue stress and never asked him if he would be prepared to have a paternity test. J. has become more and more troubled by the thought that his deceased father was not his biological father. There were rumours for as long as he can remember. He wants confirmation. J. has a half brother from his father’s second marriage. Together with his half brother, J. decides to have a Y-Chromosome-test carried out to confirm that they both have the same biological father.

X-STR-Test: Sisters

P. is 52 and officially has no father. It was not possible to find out who her father was when she was born. With the help of her aunt she has managed to find the name of a person that could be her father. The problem is, that the person in question died five years ago, he did however father another daughter. Through having an X-STR-test carried out, P. will be able to find out whether she and her possible half sister have the same biological father.