Legal Paternity Testing

Over the last decade there has been a substantial increase in the use of DNA analysis within the legal sector to resolve many matters. Ranging from family law matters (such as child support, child custody, and visitation disputes), inheritance disputes, or to satisfy immigration requirements, DNA testing has provided a simple and accurate method of ascertaining the biological relationship between individuals.

A paternity test works by comparing the DNA of the child to that of the alleged father. Since every child inherits half their DNA from each biological parent, it can be determined whether or not the alleged father contributed to the DNA of the child.

Under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969, in civil proceedings, courts have a statutory power to direct a scientific test to ascertain the parentage of a child (but section 20 directions are not given in every case where parentage is an issue). If the court makes such a 'section 20 direction', they must choose a tester from a list of accredited bodies. Our DNA laboratory services has been accredited by the Ministry of Justice as a body that may carry out parentage tests directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under Section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.

ScreenSafe UK utilises the most advanced, accurate and reliable method of analysis available. We test each sample twice through two different marker systems looking at a minimum of 20 markers (unlike some other cheaper and lesser quality options) in addition to verifying the sex of all tested individuals for increased resolution and accuracy of the results. Allowing 100% exclusion confirmation.

In addition we can provide our fully trained and competent collection services and operate a strict chain of custody procedure for legal paternity testing; this is another reason to what makes our test results legally defensible in courts of law. If you prefer, we can send out sample collection kits with full instructions for you or a third party to collect the samples.

From the moment a legal instruction is made, the entire process is documented and can be checked at every stage to demonstrate full chain of custody compliance.

All "Legal Paternity Tests" results are accompanied with a report that, together with an auditable chain of custody (including the sample collection), allows the results to be admissible in court.

For more information and/or to discuss your case in confidence, then please contact our friendly and professional customer service team on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk).

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