Applying for a paternity test

Hello everybody,

How do I go about applying to the court for a paternity test to establish whether or not I am the biological father?

Apparently my ex is 80% sure I am the father! I have been paying maintenance since she was born september '08, but have not seen her since september '09.

Long story short, I no longer have a solicitor, I have no idea where my ex lives, but I do know it is in the same area and will come under the local county court.

I have spoken to the CSA and they said because I am on the birth certificate, and have been paying the money they cannot do anything without a DNA test.

Does anyone know what forms I need to apply to the court?

thanks

You could refuse to pay and state that the child is not yours. The CSA should then carry out a DNA test. If you are the father, the CSA will recoup the costs of the test from you. If not, you will not have to pay the costs.

What eveidence do you have to suggest you are not the father?

Charles

I have spoken to the csa but they have said because I am been paying them and are on their records as the father there is nothing they can do without evidence from a DNA test, but I have to arrange it myself.

I said I would refuse to pay until it is sorted but they said they would just take it straight from my wages as they have all my emloyeers details.

I was always unsure about me being the parent and she has spoken to my brothers girlfriend in confidence saying that she was only 80% sure, and the other guy has known for a long time he could be the father. She also refused a DNA test when he was born, and I suppose I was tales into being her dad. If I had contact with her I doubt I'd even have brought it up, but as I have never really had contact, and nit seen her since septber I really don't want to pay for the next 16 years if she isn't mine.

I just need to know what forms I need to fill in to submit to the county court.

You could speak to the CSA and say that paternity is now in dispute and you seek a paternity test.

It used to be the case that the CSA could assist you in facilitating the test at reduced rates and if paternity is not proved you would get a refund of the fees.

Charles

I have told the csa that I despite parentage, and they have my concerns logged as of the beginning of Feb. I think I galled under the idea if 'presumed parentage' because I did not dispute it when they first contacted me. Are they wrong in saying I need to provide the evidence myself? Or if I dispute parentage (after 18 months of paying csa) should they contact the mother to ask for one?

If paternity is disputed at the outset the CSA should arrange a paternity test (which you pay for if you turn out to be the father). If you fail to attend the appointment paternity will be presumed. Was an appointment offered to you?

Contact the CSA and ask them to arrange a test for which you will pay in the first instance and expect a refund if paternity is not proved.

Charles

I myself contacted the CSA to find out about DNA testing.
They told me if I am on the birth cirtificate I have to pay regardless of whether I thought I was not the biological father.

They admitted that I am caught between a rock and a hard place and that basically the law on this is an ass.

After you start paying you then have to go through the courts to request a DNA test. But how much does this cost?

Can anyone help me here as I am in the middle of a divorce and my wife is denying any wrongdoing but I know I am not the childs father.