It is possible to conduct a DNA test without the mother’s consent, but it is not likely to hold up in a court situation. If a child is under 18, the mother is usually required to provide consent in order to go through with the testing. If the child in question is over 18, then the mother’s consent is not required.
If the DNA test in question is merely for curiosity’s sake, the test can be physically performed. However, if you are seeking to perform a paternity test for legal reasons, the mother’s consent is almost always required. If the mother is refusing to participate, it is sometimes possible to acquire a court order to force the mother into participation.
Hiring a family law attorney to help with paternal lawsuits is an excellent way to help the process along. If the court finds the presented facts compelling, they may order DNA testing. If the mother is refusing consent for whatever reason, this is a simple way to work around her lack of consent. With a court order, you may easily proceed in the DNA testing process without any type of consent from the mother.
PRIVATE DNA TESTING
The easiest way to conduct a paternity test that doesn’t require the consent of the mother is through a private DNA testing kit. If you’re merely curious about your paternal status and do not wish to take the situation to court, these tests are a great way to clear all curiosity. They are relatively easy to acquire, and can be found in various retail stores or on the internet. After using the private testing kit, you send it off to a DNA lab which will then mail you the results back within days. These tests can be done via blood or cheek swab testing, depending on your preferences.
When using these tests without the mother’s DNA, the lab only compares the genes of the father with the genes of the child. This may take longer depending on the complexity of the DNA. If the father’s DNA makes up half of the child’s DNA, then he is legally the father of the child in question. If there is no common DNA, then he is not legally the biological father of the child.
It should be known that these tests are able to hold up in court, but it is not likely, especially without the mother’s consent. These tests are best used to resolve any curiosity the participating parties may have.
Before buying a home DNA kit, be sure that the cost of result documents is included in the cost of your DNA test. Some testing kits do NOT include the cost of result documents, therefore forcing you to pay even more money before you can acquire your results. Don’t fall into this trap! It is also important that you know the reputation of the lab you’re entrusting with your DNA. Always be certain that the lab you choose is ISO 17025 and AABB accredited to ensure the greatest quality of work.
LEGAL DNA TESTING
If you wish to have legal DNA testing done at a lab that can hold up in court, both parties are required to provide proof of their identities before the process can begin. There must also be an independent witness when the sample is collected to make sure that there is no foul play. These DNA tests cost more than your standard home or private DNA test, but if you want no doubt about the test holding up in a court room situation, the legal test is definitely worth the cost.
It is recommended that legal DNA paternity testing be done if the results are being sought to resolve legal matters. Legal testing follows a strict set of rules and procedures that is not required by simple home DNA tests. It is because of these procedures that these tests are superior to home paternity tests.
There are ways to conduct DNA testing without the mother’s consent, but in order for the results to hold up in court, consent or a court order is required. Working closely with a lawyer to determine the legal status of your supposed child is one of the likeliest ways to resolve the problem of paternity. If no legal action is wanted, it is easy to be paternally tested without the consent of the mother through home DNA testing kits.