Is that really my child?

This is a question raised many time when a relationship breaks down and the ex-partner becomes pregnant.

Recently it was reported that Julio Iglesias was ruled by the Spanish courts to be the biological father of a 43 year old male. It is said that Iglesias who is now 75, had refused to provide a DNA sample for the purpose of testing. However the court heard credible evidence of the affair with the singer. Mr. Sanchez has spent 30 years trying to prove that Mr. Iglesias is his father. The singer can however Appeal against the verdict.

In the English courts, if there is a dispute about the paternity of a child, either parent can apply to the courts for a Declaration of Parentage. The courts can direct paternity testing (DNA) to ascertain whether a parent is or is not the father or mother of a particular child.

This does not mean however, that a person can be forced or compelled to give a sample. It should be noted however, that if a person refuses, the court is entitled to draw an inference that the child is theirs in the absence of a reasonable explanation for the refusal.

A child’s welfare generally demands that he or she knows the truth about his or her parentage.

If you would like to talk through any issues relating to the parentage of a child, please feel free to contact one of our family team. Please call to speak to either Terri Pickup or Rhona Royle on 0161 624 6811