Paternity Tests are the most common type of test, there main job is to confirm the identity of a child's father. These types of tests are used when the Mother has had more than one sexual partner around the time she became pregnant. The reasons for this tests are around 68% of Father's wanting to know that their child is their's, the other 32% is from farther's denying they are the farther.

It is important that before all parties take the test, they realise what the impact will be on the child depending on the results returned. For children that are under the age of 16 years old, the legal guardian must also give their consent for the test to take place.

In the UK, the parental responsibilty of a child falls with the Mother, Responsibility only lies with the Dad if he is married to the Mother or

• A court makes them responsible
• An official agreement with the mother
• Jointly registering the birth with the mother

Paternity tests were usually performed by taking blood samples, however most today are taken by a simple and painless mouth swab. Samples need to be taken from the child, the mother and any possible fathers.

The results for these tests will normally be returned within 2-3 working days. Please note that in the UK, Free Paternity tests are not available on the NHS. Even with court orders you must still contribute unless you are getting state benfits in which case the Government may contribute.

Please remember that some DNA tests are not admissable in court and the cheapers one may need to be repeated shoudl you have to take your case to court for any hearings on payments or paternal responsibilities.