By definition, you would think a paternity test should include the possible father of a child, right? But what if the man in question isn’t available to test? He may be deceased, imprisoned, absent for whatever reason, or unwilling to participate. Thanks to modern DNA analysis, accurate UK paternity testing without the father is actually quite commonplace, and—with the correct individuals participating—conclusive results can be expected.
UK Paternity Testing without the Father: Testing Close Relatives Instead
A skilled DNA analyst can connect the dots of family relationship and give a probability of paternity by testing members of the possible father’s family with whom he shares a close biological relationship: his parents, brothers and sisters, other known children, etc.
For each of the following relationship tests, DNA samples for the child’s mother are also required in order to get the most conclusive results.
Paternal Grandparents: The best option for UK paternity testing without the father is to test one or both of his parents instead. Ideally, both grandparents’ DNA would be compared with the child’s and the child’s mother’s, because the more genes that can be analysed, the better. However, conclusive results may be obtained if only one grandparent is available to test.
Paternal Aunt(s) and/or Uncle(s): Another possible option for UK paternity testing without the father is to test full siblings of the possible father. Brothers and sisters share 50% of the same DNA and an analyst may be able to get a probability of relationship between an aunt or uncle and the child in question, and thereby establish a probability of a paternity relationship between the child and the possible father.
Siblingship: Finally, a siblingship test can be performed, which requires the DNA of another known child of the possible father. The test determines if the known child and the child in question share a biological relationship or are unrelated.
Putting the Pieces of the Paternity Puzzle Together
Using other family members’ DNA samples instead of the possible father’s requires much more extensive analysis. Imagine it as a genetic jigsaw puzzle: the more pieces of the puzzle an analyst has at their disposal, the more complete the picture the analyst can reveal. The paternity picture becomes clearer and more complete when more of the possible father’s close biological family members participate in testing.
Something to keep in mind: Testing with the possible father is always preferable to other types of DNA testing because the relationship is a direct one between father and child and the likelihood of getting conclusive results is much higher. It’s also much more cost-effective to do a straight paternity test since it requires less complex analysis.
So accurate paternity answers really are possible, even if the possible father himself cannot test. And the great news is, if a medical professional handles DNA collection, results for family-relationship paternity tests are court-admissible.
Hi I would like to know how to order a test please the father is in rehab so may need to test my child’s paternal grandmother.
Hello, Caoimhe. We can definitely do grandparent testing. To optimize results, it is preferable that you contribute your DNA to the test as well. Ring our team on 0800 009 2969 and they’ll be happy to answer your questions and set up the test for you.
Hi could somebody give me a price please my sons dad is in prison and also refuses to do a dna test.
Hi, Georgia. We don’t provide pricing in blog comments since prices can change over time. Please contact our team of experts directly and they can help you determine which type of test will work best for your unique situation: 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
Hi im looking for help to find my sons father . Unfortunately I was only 16 on holiday when I fell pregnant in fuengarola in Spain. Its causing my son a lot of pain not knowing who he is . Is there anyway that I can do this please ? My son is mixed race so this narrows it down so.ewhat thankyou look forward to your response.
Hello, Kerry. Our paternity tests compare data between a possible father and a child, so unless you can contact one or more of the possible fathers for testing, we cannot assist. You may want to start with submitting your child’s DNA to one of the ancestry-testing companies to see if there’s a possible match there. If you are successful and are able to contact the possible father, then if he is willing to test, we can confirm the relationship.
I want to find out the father of my son due to their being a possibility of 2 unfortunately he’s not around to do paternity he has a sister who potentially has the same dad can this be done through doing paternity with brother and sister as they share same mother but unsure of father
Hi, Peter. I suggest you contact us directly. Our experts can help you determine which testing option might be best to help you get your answer: 020 3301 7346
How can I check my husband’s fertility from a few years ago with his ex wife. All I want to know was it my husband or his then wife. Sadly my husband has just passed away. Thank you
Hello, Justine. I’m sorry about your loss. Can you please explain your question a little further? Is there a child involved?
Hi, I am in a situation where I have slept with my ex and unsure on who the father is. I do not want my current boyfriend or my ex to know until I know who the father is. Is it possible to do a sibling test with my son to check if he is a full sibling to the baby?
Hello, Mej. Yes, you definitely can do a full-sibling vs. half-sibling test with your children. Be sure to include your DNA in the test as well, since that is helpful in obtaining the most conclusive results. Ring us on 0800 009 2969 to speak with one of our experts.
Hi ex husband won’t do dna and other possible father has passed away but he has a half sister, can ask ex husbands Mam or dad as he was adopted at birth
Hi, Kelly. If I understand you correctly, your ex-husband is adopted? If so, testing his adoptive parents is not an option for testing since they do not share a biological relationship with your ex-husband. Please ring our experts to see what other options may be available to you: 0800 009 2969.
Hi my son’s girlfriend of 8 months is pregnant. Their relationship has been off and on but she’s going ahead with the pregnancy. I think there may be a chance that my son is not the Father.
If she goes full term and has the baby would I be able to get a DNA test without my son knowing?
Hello, Rachel. You must obtain permission from a legal parent when requesting a DNA test for a minor child.
Hi, looking at dna test to find out if our father is actually our father. I have two sisters and one brother, My brother is definitely his because he looks like him, but none of the girls look a like. Our mother is died and can’t get our fathers dna.
Hello, AJO. Keep in mind that physical looks are subjective and are never proof of relationship. There are plenty of children who don’t “look like” either of their biological parents. You could do a sibling test with one or more of your siblings to determine if you have the same father. Give our experts a ring to learn more on 0800 009 2969.
Hi, my dad recently passed away, and my mother is not around. It has come to light that my dad might not be my biological father. Could I still get a test with my sister?
Hello, Catrina. Yes, you and your sister could do a full sibling vs. half-sibling test. Give us a call.
Hi I have a brother in the States, and a sister in the UK but I have no wish to be in contact with her , my mother passed away 7 years ago , there are 2 possible men who could be me father 1 died in the fifties and 1 died in the seventies is there any way I could find out which 1 was my father
Hello, Anne. Have you considered doing an ancestry test to see if they can identify any relatives that may be related to your birth father? That may be your best option here.
Hi I think I know who my father was but he died 15 years ago and his 2 children have since died and only his 2 granddaughter are still alive,as they r my cousins,as it’s understood that my birth mother sleeper with her sisters husband nearly 60 years ago and it has alway been said that my father is unknown,but I’m sure that it was my uncle that is my father,I do have a pair of his glasses and wondered if u can get DNA from them,or would myself and his 2 grandaughts be any help to match DNA with myself.
Hello, Dawn. This is a difficult situation. I suggest you contact our experts directly to see if there are any possibilities for you: 0800 009 2969
Hi there what if the father dose not want to do it what so ever and has no family members would you be able to still do the test ?
Hi, Ali. In that case, he may need to be compelled to do so through the courts.