A mother can decline a paternity test depending on the circumstances of the test requirements. It is highly recommended that a mother provides her DNA as the test analysis becomes easier. It separates the child’s DNA markers from the mother’s DNA. Having knowledge of the child’s DNA markers makes the comparison between the father’s DNA markers to child’s easier and more accurate.
A child will have 50% of the father’s DNA and 50% of the mother’s DNA.
What are the circumstances for a mother’s refusal?
If the Paternity test is a court ordered legal paternity test, the mother should not refuse the test. Court ordered tests are legally required to determine the relationship of father and child for various reasons. Legal DNA refusal consequences are a violation of the law and can put the mother in contempt of court, criminal charges and fines. Court ordered tests are viewed as a civil process and refusing the test is not recommended.
If the paternity test is a non-legal test, the mother can certainly decline the test. Tests that are conducted with home-based kits cannot be used in a legal setting. If there is a refusal of a test not just from the mother or the father, there are ways to obtain samples of the individual’s DNA through their hair, nails, Q-Tip’s, toothbrushes etc. However, court ordered requests must go through the requirements of a legal test be it the father or the mother.
Managing situations of refusal
Paternity DNA tests can be stressful and can be filled with tension. It is important to keep calm and composed as the parties need assistance to navigate the situation. SmarTest Labs has professional experience keeping the donors informed, calm and providing clarity on the importance of the specific tests. There is not too much choice with court ordered tests and this will need to be explained clearly to the donors.
Call SmarTest Labs at 301-686-8566 for more information and guidance on your testing requirements.
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