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.
If you need additional information about a DNA paternity test or want to order, contact our experienced customer-service team on 020 3301 7346.
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 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.