At the time of a heritage for example, it happens sometimes that the doubt about paternity appears within a family. By studying the genetic code of the individual, it is possible to prove the genetic bond between a father and a child. However, paternity tests are carried out in a legal framework and the discovery of the results can have a significant impact on a life.
Prove paternity through a test
Once the doubt settles on the authenticity of a genetic bond, it is difficult to remove it permanently without going through the medical test.
The paternity test is a reliable method to confirm or disprove the genetic bond and the reliability rates range between 99% and 100%.
The decision to conduct a paternity test should not be taken lightly. It is necessary to consider the emotional consequences that can generate the results: risk of broken bond, trauma in childhood…
It must also keep in mind that the legal consequences on the possibility of a change of the name, nationality or of the parental authority.
Genetic information in a paternity test
It is by studying the genetic code and certain numbers of “markers” of the DNA, that it is possible to determine a biological relation between two individuals.
Therefore, to establish a paternity bond between a man and a child, it is therefore necessary to study this genetic code via a DNA test. Each child inherits half of the genetic material of each of his parents.
Therefore, to perform a paternity test, at least take the DNA of the child and the father. The test is even more efficient if it is supplemented by the DNA in the mother.
The DNA constitutes each one of our cells. For the analyses, one generally takes saliva or blood.
Do a paternity test
Many websites propose to carry out tests of paternity in your residence. For that, the laboratories (located abroad) send a kit to you to take the DNA of the people concerned. It is enough for you then to return the whole by the Post office.
The analysis takes approximately 1 week.
The results are sent discreetly.
However, paternity tests are expensive. Count between €150 and €600 depending on the complexity of the test and the laboratory that did the analysis.
Caution: these tests have informative value only! It is legal only in the Canada, Belgium and Switzerland.
Legal limits
The paternity test must be ordered by a judge to have a legal value. It occurs also in the laboratory with a piece of identity for adults and a certificate for minors. This test cannot take place without the assent of the supposed father.
The legislation is very strict on the protection of the human body. If you order a test of paternity abroad, the sending can be confiscated by the customs. You also risk a one year sorrow of imprisonment and fine €15,000 (art. 226-28 of the penal Code).
The laws on bioethics (art. 16-11 of the civil Code) regulate the research on the relationship of filiation. They forbid others to carry out DNA identification after the death of a person.