| DNA testing is one of the most conclusive ways | | | | both the grandmother and grandfather of the |
| available to determine paternity of any given child. | | | | baby, it is possible to determine even in the |
| By taking a sample of DNA from both the alleged | | | | absence of the father whether or not there is |
| father and from the child in question, high-tech | | | | shared genetic material and consequently whether |
| DNA profiling techniques are used to match | | | | or not there is a shared relationship, i.e. parentage. |
| reference points across genetic markers on both | | | | DNA Testing on Male Relatives |
| samples which can lead to an accurate | | | | Y-STR testing is one of the most innovative DNA |
| determination of where a genetic relationship | | | | testing methods honed in recent years, tracking |
| exists. | | | | down the male-only Y- chromosome to establish |
| In an ideal world, paternity testing would have | | | | genetic links between male children and elder |
| available both a sample from the child and from | | | | vertical male relatives, for example grandfathers, |
| his alleged father in order to best establish the link | | | | great grandfathers, even great uncles by blood |
| between them. However, in some DNA paternity | | | | relationships. This can be particularly handy where |
| testing cases the father is not available to give his | | | | the father is unavailable and direct elderly relatives |
| DNA sample, whether through choice, or | | | | have died, given that a great deal of genetic |
| unavailability for some other reason. However, | | | | material passes unmutated from father to son |
| where the father is absent, it is still possible to | | | | throughout generations. Of course, this is |
| use other DNA tests to determine whether a | | | | however absolutely of no use for DNA testing of |
| relationship exists. | | | | female children. |
| DNA Testing on Other Direct Relatives | | | | DNA Testing on Siblings |
| By performing DNA testing with other members | | | | Alternatively siblings can also provide a close |
| of the family that share some of the same genes | | | | genetic match, which makes it possible to test |
| with the alleged father, it is possible to determine | | | | whether or not two children are related by the |
| whether or not there is a likelihood of paternity | | | | whole blood, rather than half. Where there is |
| over the child in question. Obviously the father's | | | | dispute over the potential father of a child, an |
| sample is desired for reasons of accuracy and | | | | alleged sibling's sample can be a good way to |
| conclusivity, however it is more than possible | | | | compare DNA to determine the extent of the |
| (particularly with advancing testing technologies) to | | | | relationship. The same can be said for brothers |
| be able to determine paternity through shared | | | | and sisters of the alleged father, who can also |
| genetic material through more distant relatives to | | | | share some genetic material sufficient to provide |
| the father. In other words, provided a relative of | | | | a result in DNA testing of the child in question, |
| the alleged father is available for DNA testing, you | | | | If your situation requires is such that you require |
| should be able to obtain some results although this | | | | to do the DNA testing through one of the |
| may not always be conclusive. | | | | alternatives above, it is always advisable to |
| DNA Testing on Grandparents | | | | contact in advance the company who will be |
| In the absence of the alleged father or any | | | | performing the DNA test and explain your case in |
| separate sample of his DNA, the alleged paternal | | | | full so that they can advise you on the DNA |
| grandparents can provide the key to establishing | | | | testing options available as well the results that |
| paternity. By taking a sample from either one or | | | | can be obtained. |