Is It My Right to Know if He's Really My Father?

Originally written by Charlotte Walker-Olivier, updated by the editorial team on 26th June 2026

LT asks

I am almost 60 years old and my father now claims that he may not be my father. He is elderly and has said that he will do a DNA test and then he says that he will not.

Do I have a human right to know the truth of the matter and to insist that he performs this test to prove or disprove his claims? I seem to have an overwhelming need to know.

When questions about paternity arise

Discovering that the man you have always believed to be your father might not be can be profoundly shocking. This is true whether the suggestion comes early in life or, as sometimes happens, decades later.

If a parent or relative has recently raised doubts about your biological parentage, you may be feeling confused and uncertain about where you stand. You might also be wondering whether you have any legal right to find out the truth.

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What the law says about establishing paternity

In the UK, if a man was married to your mother at the time of your birth, the law presumes he is your biological father unless proven otherwise. This marital presumption is strong and exists independently from the birth certificate, though being named as the father on the certificate reinforces it. Challenging this presumption usually requires clear evidence.

DNA testing is the most reliable way to confirm or rule out a biological relationship. However, there is no law that can force an adult to take a DNA test against their will. This reflects broader human rights principles concerning bodily autonomy. If your father agrees to a DNA test but subsequently withdraws consent, you cannot legally enforce compliance.

The situation is different when paternity disputes arise in court proceedings, such as child maintenance cases. In those circumstances, a court can draw conclusions from a person's refusal to provide a sample. But for an adult child simply seeking the truth about their parentage, there is currently no equivalent legal mechanism.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Practical steps you can take

If your father is willing to take a DNA test, many private companies in the UK offer home testing kits. These typically cost between £100 and £200 and involve a simple cheek swab. Results are usually available within a few weeks.

For a test result to be used in legal proceedings, it must be carried out by an accredited provider. The Ministry of Justice maintains a list of laboratories approved specifically for legal paternity testing on GOV.UK. This is separate from the private tests that individuals may choose to do at home.

If a DNA test is not possible, you might consider speaking with other family members who could shed light on the situation. These conversations can be valuable, though they also carry the risk of conflict or emotional difficulty. Medical records or family documents may also provide useful information, though these will rarely give you a definitive answer.

It is also worth considering whether the person raising these doubts is in good health. Later in life, health issues that might affect memory or perception can sometimes lead people to make statements that do not reflect reality. A conversation with other relatives may help you understand whether the claim has any foundation.

Legal rights and emotional considerations

While children do have a recognised interest in knowing their biological origins, this right is most clearly established in specific contexts. These include adoption, donor conception, and cases involving separated parents. For an adult seeking to verify their parentage, the legal framework offers less direct support.

That said, some people in your situation have found ways to get the answers they need through honest conversations, voluntary DNA testing, or genealogical research.

The emotional impact of these discoveries can be significant. Organisations such as the charity PAC UK offer support to people affected by issues of identity and parentage. Counselling services may also help you process difficult feelings, whatever the outcome of your search for answers.

If you are unsure about your legal position or need further guidance, Citizens Advice can provide free and impartial information regarding legal rights in family matters.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Rights Situation Checker lets you describe what has happened and find out which UK human rights protections apply and what you can do. Try it now →

156 questions

Ask About Human Rights a Question

Dai 24/03/2021 at 5:39 pm

My father died but he only ever sent 2 birthday cards he died February 21 last year I've never known him went to see him my mother's names rare I asked him straight in front of his face are you my father what's my mother's name he said no grinning in his eyes I walked away looked bk I know 99% he's my father haven't I got a legal right any of us I Wales surely we should know on paper with a Dna test dead or alive this must be a basic human right in Wales in 2021 please help me I know he is I'm 40 now I don't know who I am it's in court waiting for an answer the solicitor is charging 50% mkeeg solicitors Newcastle I don't really know what's going on she said thier solicitors on holidays and she sent the letter last Friday I rang her yesterday coincidence this is and has always affected my mental health this is a basic human right but the man I just spoke to said no can't help and put phone down I donate to other countries water starving kids Where's our rights I need proof he is dad or not and my mother's no liar can anybody help

Shaz 10/03/2021 at 3:59 pm

I need help my daughter is 24 her father knows she is his but he is lying to her two brothers from his side saying she isn’t his how can I get a dna test done if he refuses thanks

EllieBels 05/03/2021 at 1:16 pm

Hi, I am in my mid 50s. When I was about 13, my brother and I, overheard my "dad" telling my mum in an argument they were having, "I have always loved her as if she were my own". I put it to the back of my mind until my 20s when I did quiz my mum (and other family members on her side) who all denied there being any foundations on what both, my brother and I clearly heard.

Anyway, fast forward to now, my parents live abroad where my brother also lives. Following Brexit, I thought it a good idea to get a European passports for my children and myself from a Western European country they all live in. I therefore asked for her birth certificate, marriage certificate, my birth certificate etc which she sent me photos of on mobile.

However, although I compartmentalised the above, niggles have always remained which exposed from certificates that my parents married a year after I was born and whilst 3 months pregnant with my brother. We were always told that they married a year before my birth. Also, there is no original birth certificate from my year of birth, but a certificate from what looks like a re-registration of my birth, at the same time my brother's birth was registered. Presumably, this was when my "father's" name was added. When I married (now divorced), I simply requested a short form birth certificate.

I have naturally, questioned all this and have only had replies back from my brother who has access to their mobiles as being in very late 70s/early 80s, they're not very tech savvy; this therefore is not unusual in itself. What to me is unusual to me and incredulous, is that both my parents should have called to explain what they cannot deny. Instead, they're presumably asking my brother to reply to my texts in which I'm told that they are both very upset, saddened and stressed by my questions. Additionally, I was even asked why the interest after all this time, as if I were enquiring about a broken plate! Neither of my parents have volunteered any information and not only are they burying their heads, but they have not directly contacted me either. I've said I'm here for when they want to talk as don't want to appear aggressive; my mother now has a heart condition and my father a brain tumour, but conscious of time elapsing without answers. Any comments welcomed. Thank you

Haylz 29/12/2020 at 2:33 am

Hi I'm 34 and my dad hates me I've asked him several times if Ian his daughter hes tells me he don't know or care I also have 3 brothers who he adores can I make him take a dna test I just need closure can please please somebody get back to me

Haylz 29/12/2020 at 2:32 am

Brock Roll 01/11/2020 at 3:44 pm

Hello ,
My question is I met my bio father last year . During one of our first encounters he said that he seen me 5x after I was born because people said I look like him . His comment from me asking why didn’t you do a dna test was ur mom said I wasn’t so how I going to force a dna test ... my thought was if I knew a kid could been my and the dates added up a court order test . So if a bio father some what knew I was his can I collect child support for 18 years ?

Karen 17/09/2020 at 1:22 am

My birth parents names are held by the Salvation Army but they will not give them to me.

Is this legal?

Captain 05/09/2020 at 7:45 pm

Hi
I'm 52 and was adopted in 1968. My biological mother passed away many years ago. My birth certificate states [Father Unknown]. In my adoption paperwork, it provides information on two men who were interviewed as potential father. Recently, I have taken a DNA test with one of these individuals to establish if there is a relationship. The result was negative. I have approached the second individual but he refuses to take the test. Have I a legal right to make him to take the test? If so, how exactly do I go about this? What is the process and the logical steps to take?

Lulu 23/08/2020 at 8:48 pm

Hello, my Mum died 2 half years ago aged 97 yrs. mum was 3 months pregnant with me when she married ‘Dad’ who was stationed here in 1942. Mum came from a family of 10 she was the 8th girl followed by 2 younger brothers. When Mums youngest brother died he told me that my real father was a Scots guard also stationed here where Mum lived. I’m 5’8” tall and slim. My Dad Was 5’4” never took to me because he was abroad during the war. When we moved out of my Grandparents house my Dad was very cruel to me and Mum used to stick up for me but I was terrified of him. My ‘Nerves’ have always been bad and have tics even as a 77 yr old. I was very good to Mum and ‘Dad’ but even at the end of his life he’d shrug me off if I helped him in favour of Mum or my sister,

ju 22/08/2020 at 8:22 pm

my son is 30 years old he wants a first passport his dads name is not on the passport.On the passport form it says provide dads birth certificate and mums.does he need his dads birth certificate as I know the month his dad was born but not the day

Inene 06/08/2020 at 1:48 pm

Biological father , I have no name
My biological mum , went to her grave with the secret of who my father is
I am 69 years old
Time is running out to find some answers
Please advise
Irene Sutcliffe
Scotland UK

Eb 05/08/2020 at 1:31 am

What legal actions can you take if your mother will not tell you who your biological father is and you are 30 years old and found out 3 years ago the man you thought was your father wasn’t.

Shirley 04/08/2020 at 7:19 am

I am a senior citizen. The oldest of four living children. About 10 years ago I learned my father is not my biological father. Both parents that raised me have been deceased since 2000 and 2001. Is there anyway to lean who my biological father is/was? I am the only child that does not match DNA of the father that raised us. My mother's childhood friend told me my biological father did not know anything about my mother being pregnant with me. Is there any hope?

Mavu 26/07/2020 at 11:50 pm

How can I persuade my mother in law to tell us the truth who our real father is. I got married in 2016 to a wrong surname but now I wish to know who my real father in law is or was

Mavu 26/07/2020 at 11:47 pm

Hi I am Nomvuselelo Chala. I would like to know how can we we persuade my mother in law to tell us the truth about who my husband's biological father is. It's been a year now since we heard that we really do not belong to Chala family. Please help.

Trin.tjs 07/06/2020 at 4:32 am

I'm a Indigenous woman who's Canadian, in my youth early 20s. Growing up in my teens i've come to realization that i had more people in life, so to give you somewhat an explanation why I ask this question. *I wrote a summary of a story, mine to be exact and my other siblings in the same boat*

I remember at age 10, I asked my mother why my younger brother M and I don't have full features if we were “full blood". I was brown, he was fair skinned as children. I'm the eldest 2 years apart, we visited our “dad" often. She sat me down, explained to me she had met him, while pregnant with me. And where my biological father went. As a child, it made me think alot, knowing I had another parent out there.

My mother met my biological father in mid summer of 1999. In their youths, early 20s. They’re both Indigenous. My Biological Father (Sioux) from North Dakota, USA. My mother (Ojibwa/Sioux) from Manitoba, CAN. They didn't date much, but had interest. They went different ways, after, she ended up pregnant with me. In Fall of 1999 my mother met my (step dad) shortly after and accepted me as his. May 2000 i was born, my (step dad) signed my Birth Certificate. He had been with my mom the whole 8 months, before birth

So my biological father was still here in Canada. After my parent's incident. Same year - summer 1999. My father met my relative (Aunty/ Mother's cousin). They started dating, conceived my brother T, he stayed until they separated in 2002.

My Biological Father moved back to North Dakota for a while. Later on, early 2000-2005 he met 2 more partners and concieved 2 sons/brothers J&A in Canada. After his visit he moved back to the USA. He had been in the USA since. My bio father had contacted me 2012 through Mail he told me about himself. He told me he has 8 children. 4 in Canada. 3. {Brother T, J&M, Me}. 4 older children in North-South Dakota,Montana. We reconnected in 2016, since 2016 i have 10 siblings from my bio father. Sadly, he passed in December 2019 without meeting eachother. I've never left Canada or left my country. I only have my siblings, aunties and uncle from my biological father he passed away. They're in my life most importantly. I've planned to travel the USA with my Canadian siblings, to meet my other american families.

What troubles me though, I plan to move to USA someday. My step dad is on my original/legal birth certificate. I understand my mother's choice at the time, letting him sign my certificate. Now I'm older, I want to know my actual family in USA. I'm unsure on how legal documents work in USA & CAN. I just want to have proof I have my siblings, that they are my half. My bio father signed

If I were to apply for USA CITIZENSHIP, would the process be difficult based in USA? If I moved from Canada to USA. I want to know, I'd definitely do DNA swab with my siblings. The ones who has my bio father on birth certificates. Right? I just can't go there and say “Hey, I'd like to move here i ha

Nutmeg 31/05/2020 at 1:26 pm

Hi there,

I am a 44 year old woman. My mother gave me up for adoption as a child. I have always believed my mothers husband at the time was my biological father. After recently doing an ancestry DNA test, I have found my mothers relative was under the impression another man was my father. The ancestry results also hint this as there is no trace of my 'fathers' family. I need some closure. Can I take all three of them to court to find out the truth, or does anyone know of any other way I could find this out?

Many thanks

Vicki 29/05/2020 at 8:26 pm

I’m 36 and I found my dad he is telling me I’m not he’s and my mum said I’m definitely his got a DNA and he won’t take the test he was the one that registered me at birth how do I get him to do a DNA

Lexi 04/02/2020 at 2:00 am

I’m 22, I my mom is very sure this man is my dad. He won’t do a dna test and is there anyway I can demand him to ? I need help. He said to stop contacting him cuz I’m harassing but he was responding each time answering my questions and even suggested a dna test in the past but now complete 360 and denies everything .

Deceived 24/01/2020 at 12:54 am

In 1982 my partner and I had a son, and about a year months later she said she was again pregnant. This time she insisted that we got married and I readily agreed and we got married 4 months before he was born. From the birth I became suspicious and often remarked that 'I could not see me in him', unlike his brother, and she would say ' don't be silly, he is yours'. 5 years later we were divorced - it was most acrimonious - but the paternity issue was not raised because I was afraid that raising would affect him badly and I feared she would have prevented me from having contact. I made sure I kept in touch and thought he would be more understanding when he was settled. I broached the subject in 2018 after he had set up home with his daughter and her mother. He became abusive, threatened me with physical harm and told me to stay away from his family. I then decided to take the matter to court and was surprised when the judge said she could only invite him to take the test. The court took the view that," There is no legal requirement to order the Respondent to undergo the DNA test". and the case was closed.

It seems that he is protecting his mother who misrepresented/lied when she wrote to the court claiming I was a vexatious litigant. They did not to attend any of the hearings.

I believe that, in the circumstances, a father should be able to find out whom he has sired, with the blessings of the court; especially as the respondent has children who should know their line of ancestry and whether I am their grandfather.

I need a lawyer who can agree to help me get to the truth. I am of the opinion that the establishment of the truth is a fundamental legal requirement that is enshrined in family law.

Beth 31/12/2019 at 5:38 pm

I am 55 years old and this year found out my dad isn't my biological father. Through some research I found out my mother was engaged to a different man before she married my "dad". My mom has been deceased nearly 9 years now and my "dad" has Alzheimer's Disease. I took a DNA test, opened an Ancestry account and sure enough the man my mother was with before my "dad" relatives show up as matches to me and the sister I grew up with shows as my half sibling. I reached out to said man and he was very receptive. Found him on Facebook and we messaged each other. We made plans to meet, but the day before we were to meet he had a stroke and his family will not let me see him whatsoever. This has been difficult as I found out he kept tabs on me for as long as he could and even tried to hint to me who he was. Do I have any rights to see him??

Andy 13/11/2019 at 5:29 pm

My mum has always told me my father is Jeff beck the guitarist, I no longer have contact with my mum but can I find out if he is my father Apparently he sent her ha solicitor letter when she was pregnant saying he was married and wanted no more contact

Mom 21/10/2019 at 8:35 am

Hello I’m 20 and my father is refusing me a legal paternity test, could I know how to get him by law to carry one out?

I’ve ask him so many times but off no avail on his part.

I’m at university, my mom have had all the strains bringing up me and two other siblings.

Plz can you direct me where to go and who to contact

Donn 17/10/2019 at 11:43 am

I am doubting if my father who stayed with me for 55 years is my real father. At 94 yrs old, my mom told me that it’s been bugging her for several years , because she’s not sure if the Native American and half Filipino guy is my real father or the Chinese guy who coincidentally became her boyfriend too-surprisingly, out of curiosity,my son had his DNA test and the result was 36% Chinese blood. How should I go about this, when the Chinese guy is already dead? How will I know if he is my real father or not?

Lil 22/09/2019 at 10:31 am

Long story short. It's been 27 years, and the father of my beautiful daughter is still denying he is her biological father. I am 100 % sure, without a doubt, he is her biological father. Over the course of the years I've reached out to him and his wife, and neither one of them are trying to hear what I have to say. Also over the course of the years, I found out he has a son 4 months younger than My daughter. So I know why he's being so adamant about my daughter not being his biological daughter. Most recently I've made contact with the son who's 4 months younger than my daughter and he is willing to do a siblings DNA test. I've read so much information about the test within the past 2 weeks, but I'm not sure if the results will be conclusive without DNA from the alleged father and his wife. Last week I paid to have a legal siblings DNA test done with my daughter, the son, and myself through DDC. My daughter and I were ready to head to the lab several days last week, but unfortunately the son was not able to go due to his work schedule. We are so anxious to have this test done, but our hands are really tied in this situation. I do know the paternity test is the most accurate test, but the alleged dad is not trying to give us his blood for a DNA test. Is there anyway you can help us in this situation?
Signed, desperately seeking to get the truth out, so my daughter may have the opportunity to build a relationship with her half siblings if they choose to. I failed to mention I have a picture of the alleged father holding our daughter after she was born, and his name is on the birth certificate. I also still have emails he sent to her when our daughter was younger trying to explain to her the difficulties of the situation. Please can you help me in this situation?

Forcedfather 02/07/2019 at 9:22 pm

I had a few nights out a met a girl a few times. She is now saying I’m the father of her daughter. I am willing to do a DNA to determine as she had several partners at the time. I just want to know where I stand as a forced father. I do not wish or want to be a father. I have been forced in to this situation and now to pay for a child I did not want, do not know and never wish to know. Where do I stand?

Jules 01/07/2019 at 10:00 pm

My mother won't tell me my father's name,(Denis)? maybe? I know I have a step brother called Mark and she had affair! He died few years back.what are my rights I need to know who I am! I've never been told anything and its had big impact on my life.can I go to a solicitor? She knows his name.

Confused. Com 20/06/2019 at 9:15 pm

I hv a kid with a man who has lied about his name on the birth certificate and to me, he supports the child but not always how do i get the courts to force him to reveal his true identity so i can claim proper child maintenance

Moss 11/04/2019 at 3:57 pm

I want to know if i can force a father who rejected to do DNA through court after 21 years. And what will be the recourse since he was never there for me anyway
Regards

Jackie 21/03/2019 at 2:07 pm

Hi, I recently discovered through a DNA test that my biological father is not who I thought it was, through 2 DNA companies I have found a man that I believe to be my biological father, unfortunately he is refusing all contact and will not do a DNA/Paternity test to verify, I have been told that I could use section 56 of the family law act to get him to do a test, where do I stand? is this correct?.

Kat 16/03/2019 at 7:37 pm

I'm a 33year old who knows quite a lot about my father but I need to prove to him that me, my twin sister and brother are his kids as he keeps denying that he has any other kids apart from our step brother Kai who is 14 years old. I would like to know what to do as it's heart breaking for us bit to prove him wrong about denying us? Thank you

DD 28/02/2019 at 9:18 pm

Hi, Today i was told I'm likely to be the farther of a 37yr old girl, this as you may imagine has come as a shock (hopefully a pleasant one). She would like to make contact and find out who her real father is through a DNA test. I do not think i have a problem with this but I am just trying to find out what i maybe walking into. What financial obligations, if any, am i bound by legally. She is in a good relationship with two children and a good business. Thanks for any help.

None 10/02/2019 at 1:46 pm

I am a 47 year old woman. Who has never known my biological father. My mother claims it to be a man from Doncaster. I visited his mother once back in 1995 she claimed I was not her granddaughter but that she knew my mother through her son. I have spoken with this man at around the same time and he refuses he is my father and if he was why did my mother not claim child support from him . I am desperate to find if he is my father or not I feel I right to know. What can I do about this.

T 03/11/2018 at 7:36 pm

I'm nearly 21, since I was a child I was told by my mother this man, who is the dad to one of my younger brothers, could possibility be my father, 2013 he agreed to a DNA test then we lost contact, got back in contact earlier this year and now he's telling me lies/broke promises on getting a DNA test, I want to know what's the cheapest way to get a DNA test? I'm not earning much but I just want some information to finally clear up the conflicting confusion in my brain. He is okay with doing one, he just keeps delaying getting one and telling lies.

123ABC 10/07/2018 at 4:43 am

My mother’s husband supposedly adopted me when I was about 3yrs old. I have always known he wasn’t my biological father. My mother told me the identity of my biological father when I was in my teens. She says my adopted father had insisted she shouldn’t allow me to have contact with my biological father, or know his identity. I am now in my 40s, and seem to hit with a variety of health issues I wouldn’t have predicted from my maternal medical history. I feel if I had always had always had knowledge of my full paternal medical history, I might have been more able to look out for certain signs and symptoms and I could have enjoyed better health. Do I have any right to insist on contact with my biological father in the grounds of wanting to know my full medical history?

AboutHumanRights Editor 05/07/2018 at 3:21 pm

A court can order a DNA test and if it proves positive, your baby's father can be made to pay maintenance. He cannot be forced to have contact with the child though.

AJAYI morenike 02/07/2018 at 7:43 pm

I got pregnant for my bf, he ran away since he found out , he claims he is not responsible, asked him if we could do a DNA.. he reused. How can i get the court to make him do it? And if he received the order, what are the chances of him refusing to do this.?
Thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 25/04/2018 at 11:03 am

It will be really difficult after all this time. What was the reason you wanted to test for? Perhaps testing another of your father's relatives will establish a biological relationship with you?

AboutHumanRights Editor 24/04/2018 at 2:39 pm

If he feels he is not the biological father he can ask for a DNA test etc.

Beautiful 24/04/2018 at 3:10 am

How would I get a dna test done if my father has been deceased for 23 years? Where would I start I was told one was taken in 1990 but there is no evidence of one how would I find any of this information?

Tiff 23/04/2018 at 12:11 pm

I feel like my boyfriend isn't the father to his ex son. Everyone is saying the same thing. Even his father! He feels that by signing the birth certificate that he is the father. I don't have any kids. He's never gotten me pregnant although we tried many times. I feel that she is lying about the paternity of her son. It bothers him that I say this. Any advice?

AboutHumanRights Editor 28/03/2018 at 2:33 pm

Sorry we're not sure what you need an answer to? What does she want to do about it? Find her real mother?

KB 26/03/2018 at 11:31 pm

My maternal cousin lives abroad but was born in the UK. She was adopted at birth but later traced her parents over 20 years ago. She established a relationship with her birth mum and sister until her mums death 8 years ago. She tried DNA test recently only to find she was not a match to either me or my mother (aunt) or another maternal cousin. She is a match to her father though. It seems my Aunty lied about my cousin being her child and has adopted a baby who was her husbands child. We are all a bit stumped and shocked. What can she do?

Needs to know???? 25/03/2018 at 7:19 pm

My son graduated from the police academy almost 2 years ago then after his graduation he informs me that I am not his real father and to stay out of his life. He and sister are enabled by their mother and has blocked every possible way of communication except for registered mail. The mother which is my X has talked me down for years with lie after lie. How can I get a DNA test in N.C.

Chris 16/03/2018 at 11:36 pm

I really need to get to the bottom of this .this has been going on for way to long and i need to know

AboutHumanRights Editor 14/03/2018 at 2:29 pm

Unfortunately you can't force someone to take a DNA test. If you feel your birth certificate was completed fraudulently and that the biological father is not named, you could consider legal action but you will need to consult a legal professional about that.

Sherbs 12/03/2018 at 3:07 pm

Hi I found out later in life that my dad was not my dad but this Other person. He is refusing a DNA test and won’t give me any answers. I’m now 28 near 29 live in the UK is there any way I can force a dna test? I just want to know he is my biological father.

Stayc 21/01/2018 at 5:12 pm

Hi I am 26 and have known my dad all my life but he was only put on my birth certificate when I was about 22 years old and because of this I have no claim to citizenship through my father (he is a Jamaican British citizen and my mother is polish) I have been advised if I have DNA test done to send of to home office they can issue me with British citizen letter so I can then get my British passport. My father is however refusing to comply with a DNA test which is getting in my way of being able to get a passport. Is their anything that I can do that will make him have to comply with the DNA test?
Thanks

Daddycool 27/12/2017 at 4:56 pm

Hi. My hubby is away to turn 30. He has never had a dad in his life but was always told it was this man. We got in touch, done a Dna and turns out he isn’t the dad. His mum lied and we were given the name of his father. But my hubby is sceptical about accepting that this man is his father without a Dna test. This man is refusing due to his partners say so. She doesn’t want her partners secret out as they have their own kids together. Hence stopping any progression. My hubby wants nothing from them other than the truth. What can he do? Many thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 08/12/2017 at 3:34 pm

We can't really comment on non-UKcases but we don't think there's a way you can force a DNA test as you're no longer a "dependant" etc

Terri 07/12/2017 at 11:25 pm

Hi, I'm a 43 year old woman and have been told all my life that my dad was my dad, he left at birth.
I met him at age 26 and seen no familiarity with features etc
I decided to take a DNA test and it came back negative????!
My mother explained she slept with a man 2 weeks before, I have his name and address, I tried to contact him, and told him the situation,and he verbally abused me, but yet, he didnt deny it either... can I take him to court and order a DNA I just want to know who my biological father is??? I'm from Tasmania Australia please someone help me ??

AboutHumanRights Editor 27/11/2017 at 10:56 am

We don't really know what you can do about this other than a DNA test to see whether your daughter is yours?

babygirl 25/11/2017 at 2:31 am

my mom just told me who my biological father is an im 34 yrs old i would like to know what my rights are. do i even have any rights

jd 23/11/2017 at 4:19 am

Hi my daughter is 26 and 3 years ago I noticed that a man who might question if my daughter was really mine or not is friends with her on Facebook wishing her happy birthday each year and congratulations comments on her recent pregnancy. which after talking to my ex wife she laughed off and said something could have happened but it didn’t and she’d never cheated on me which still has def not convinced me as looking through pictures of him and his family look amazingly like my daughter and grandson! What can I do as it really clearly isn’t right that he sits smugly in the background prob knowing the truth and had no previous involvement till the year before I found out and having according to my ex wife only met my daughter once?

Mrs b 12/11/2017 at 7:30 pm

My daughter is 26 and is heartbroken her dad denies her and people hurt her saying he isn't what can she do

Bobby 26/10/2017 at 6:46 pm

I was adopted twice and my natural father is guy named Les John Wilson used to play for Wolverhampton is the Canadian footballers hall of fame. I got an email from Croydon adoption authority saying he does not know the woman he slept with, my mother. All I want ris to contact him, and being able to have a DNA test to clarify what my natural mother told me after I trace her after she was forced to give my up for adoption when she gave birth to me at 17 years old. If anyone would know how to help me so I can put my mind to rest and this gentleman proves if he is my father.

AboutHumanRights Editor 20/09/2017 at 2:32 pm

You could try the courts, but they will only order this if they feel there is a good reason.

Bee 13/09/2017 at 11:38 pm

Hi I'm 27 years old and I just found out who my father is and I found out where he lived went to go see him but he denied me could I file a paternity test?

Tinyt 20/07/2017 at 12:24 pm

Hi , I was out I foster care at 14 . I was told the man that had brought me up was not my dad. I you d my bio dad. He has refused me a dna test. I have offered to pay for it and I have also told him we do not need to have a relationship and so on but he is refusing to give me one. I want one as I have asked the question who is my dad for 15 yrs now . If he is not I can close this chapter on move on. Could I take him to court for a dna test. (UK)

Shez 14/07/2017 at 3:32 pm

I am aware of the man whom is supposed to be my father but due to his desire to deny me he moved on an married.

I have tried personally to reach out to him via a social media platform as there is no other way to reach him! I can obtain an address etc legally can I make him take a DNA test?

Gaz 21/06/2017 at 8:34 pm

Hi there,
I have recently been contacted by a 23 years old girl via face book who claims I am her father. It is a possibility as I knew her mother all those years ago but have had no contact with any of them in all that time.
I am happily married with 2 boys of my own, aged 30 and 25 and this would be devastating to my family if it were true. She is threatening solicitors to force a DNA test, can I be forced into this ?
Many thanks, G

Rightoknow 15/06/2017 at 10:22 pm

Are there any organisations that offer advice on how to make contact with your father? I think I know my dad's name/contact details but need a dna test and not sure how to approach it.
Thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 15/06/2017 at 2:15 pm

We can't really help you with this as it's more a moral dilemma than and rights/legal one.

Confused 13/06/2017 at 5:42 am

Well I just got a good relationship with the man I've always known as my dad.. My mom located a man that could possibly be my biological father but I'm unsure if I want to dig and find out because I have kids of my own now and I don't want to confuse them even tho I'm confused myself. I asked my dad if he wanted to do a dna test but he told me he doesn't need one because I'm his child regardless my question is would it be best just to leave it alone or is there a way to go about finding out the truth without hurting the man I've always known as my dad and myself?

Lost 06/06/2017 at 8:49 pm

Hi, I'm 45 and I was able to meet with a man that my mother said was my father for 45years.. he stated that I don't look like him and no way I could be his.. he was married when he dated my mother and his wife had cancer at the time ...he had 2 daughters with first wife that had passed and now he's married and has a son.. he said he won't do a paternity test so this kind of tells me he's not wanting to find out the real results.. what can I do.. I'll do what ever it takes . I need to know medical history before he passes as he's almost 70 and I'm diabetic with no history on my mothers side.. thanks you.. please help if you can in anyway

Katie 05/06/2017 at 10:35 am

I was adopted at birth and at 18 searched for my birth certificate and was given a certificate without any record of the actual adoption to support the information given. There was also a disclaimer to say that the information given may not be correct. In the event of there being no formal record of the adoption I did not believe the information on the certificate. Yet a meeting was set up with the woman whose name was on my certificate. It turns out she had a girl called Rachel who she gave up for adoption but continued to pretend to be my mother I am K. Having found my birth mother years later, would like to petition through the court a DNA test from the woman who put her name on my birth certificate to confront her with the facts and proceed form there with legal action. How can I petition her for a DNA test?

AboutHumanRights Editor 25/05/2017 at 9:46 am

We don't know whether you will be able to get one for free. If incorrect information has been given deliberately this is fraud and legal action could be taken against the parent/step parent - the courts in a case like that might order a DNA test for proof.

Ree 24/05/2017 at 4:56 am

I have a young man who is 22 and his bio mother left him when he was 1 with his step dad who demanded basically that he go on the birth certificate at time of birth. I just helped him locate his bio father so his mom says, they do look alike but the man is wanting a dna can they get one for free and where do they start.... The man is willing to do DNA thank you for your help.

Justme 19/04/2017 at 1:43 pm

I recently found my dad after 37 years. Hes never been in my life. Ive always knew very little about him just that he had 2 additional girls and is married. After many years trying to search off and on for him i finally found him and his girls. I never met them. I have talked to one girl over the phone. "My dad" will not attempt to talk to me or about me and insist he is not my father, but rather my uncle and accuses his brother of being my father. ( and still wont talk to me even with his own accusations saying hes my uncle..heehee) bottom line i have no time for his lies or anyones lies. What are my rights here for a paternity test just to know who my dad is? My mother has always told me it was him and has never changed her story. Honestly he never been there for her so theres nothing to gain from lying so i do believe her. His own daughter also feels like we may be related and sees some resemblence in each other. Truthfully i have to agree with her. Please advise.

AboutHumanRights Editor 18/04/2017 at 10:15 am

We don't know how much information you have. Have you asked your mother about it?

peanuts 15/04/2017 at 3:02 am

my father passed away ,I hadn't seen him since I was 8 years old, leaving a note behind saying he wasn't my father, is there a way to find out if this is true or not thankyou

AboutHumanRights Editor 11/04/2017 at 12:23 pm

If he was genuinely a sperm donor (ie via a fertility clinic) then there he does not have any responsibilities or obligations towards you.

PJ 24/03/2017 at 11:14 pm

I am twenty three years old, never met my dad...ever! Have been told little information. One full name, no age, no possible whereabouts, connections...not even looks, build or age. I have after many years of searching found a local man by the name which is an unusual one. It's my word against his but is there a possible way to enforce a DNA test?

gina 22/03/2017 at 8:56 am

My mother's first marriage ended in divorce and birth of my older brother my birth however has always been a problem as I have same last name as my brother and his dad however no father listed on birth certificate have always been told he was not my dad but always suspected he was he is now deceased what are my chances of contesting inheritance from him if truly believe he was my dad

Tina 20/03/2017 at 9:57 pm

I am 45 i found out when i was 24 about who my biological father is. He refuses to take a DNA test he is not on my birth certificate. I have only talked to him once on the phone an he said i had inherited a few of his traits but, now asking for a DNA test but refuses to take one. I need to know for my identity an health issues. What is my options?

AboutHumanRights Editor 14/03/2017 at 1:57 pm

We suggest you seek professional legal advice in this instance. If you want to insist on a DNA test for paternity, your might have to do so via the courts.

Gail 12/03/2017 at 5:50 pm

I am 58 know who my father is but I need to have a paternity test done,for inheritance reasons
I have another mans name on my birth certificate I just need to have some advice how to deal with this situation

cyberpops 20/02/2017 at 3:48 pm

My question is.Can I establish my paternal heritage and my entitlement to dual natiomalty? .
My mother dies in 2003 taking the identity of my father with her.I have a name and have been in contact with a man who is the brother of somebody who was in the right area at the right time and remarkably in my case has the name my mother gave.I say remarkable as it is a Maltese name which I am sure would have been in fairly shirt supply in 1965.The man I contacted assures me that both he and my potential father have no recollection of my mother. All the pieces fitted yet tge puzzle still remains.
What are my legal rights?
Am I to believe that I have no way of claiming what should be a birthright.I do not want anything from this other than my right to my own identity.

Not so French 05/02/2017 at 8:20 am

I really forgot to mention the most important part. I know from my living DNA that I am Ashkenazi Jewish, and where my mother's halpo type is. My DNA living also suggests, although this in not conclusive, that I have the pattern of genes that might make up part of me as a Sephardic Jew as well. This would make me almost 50% Jewish combined. If my brother's haplo type is Jewish in origin, and not Ashkenazi or only Ashkenazi but the same pattern as mine, possibly I would have proof that I am closer to 50% Jewish. Do you see what I mean. They use to only look at maternal lineage but with DNA or genomics, we can now know for sure if someone is Jewish or not. It would add to the proof and add to the amount, possibly, of Jewishness I have, plus it would be so good to know what part of the world his old ancestors came from, as I am interested in following their footsteps, and knowing better where they dispersed, and what their experiences are. Of course if my brother has no AJ Jewish Genes than I also would know my father's father was not my real grandfather, and I think it only fair he shares that with me. I feel he doesn't own this information, but that it belongs to both of us. There should be a law to this effect?

Not so French 05/02/2017 at 8:04 am

My question is a bit different. My mother and father are both known to me and I do not doubt my father's paternity. The fact is that he had a set of parents and they had three children, of which he was the only male )recieving the Y chromosome). My father has died, many years ago, and my brother is the only living person alive related to my dad that could give me his DNA Haplotype, and his DNA so I can one compare to mine, and two use it to show proof of Jewish Heritage (in the reform church you only need one male or female parent, or grandparents to be considered Jewish, if you want to convert, which is my situation.) I have my mother's DNA and she has no Jewish DNA, but I have a lot, and it suggests my father or his father was 100% Jewish. So the only way I can get this informationi is from my brother. I also want to know what possible other genetic conditions our family might inherit, if my brother has copies of similar ones, etc. I am not sure of this part.

Anyway, I asked him if he would do this, and he flat out said no, with no explanation. He is the only relative I can get this from, and it makes a difference for me on many levels, mostly for converting to Judaism.

Is there a way I can get a court order to make him take the Ancestry type DNA test, and share it with me,? We have some heart and lipid issues that are fatal, and my dad may have died of one of them, and we would know from one of the test if he might have had this condition. Also, my son has a condition and we can't figure out where he got it f rom. I don't know that it would be helpful or not in my son's case, but might be helpful in predicting future health issues for myself and maybe my children.

Can you give me an answer to this situation?

aggy 01/02/2017 at 11:39 am

i m 31 and was raised by my grandmother who is now late,im now working and have kids but my question is can i stil claim money from my biological father as he is finantially stable but never raised me

CPounder04 26/01/2017 at 1:07 am

I'm 28. My mother (who is white with fair hair and blue eyes) told me when I was 5 years old that the man I believed to be my Father wasn't and that a man from southern England was (who is also white with blue eyes) and who is now deceased...I have olive skin and green eyes and have always questioned whether my mother is being entirely honest or not...but my predicament now is the fact my 'biological' father has now passed away so how would I be able to find out for sure without obviously having access to his dna results?

Big Boy Kendawg 09/01/2017 at 11:29 am

Oi Oi i have no problems as my family ACTUALLY love me

Sweetk 16/12/2016 at 12:27 pm

What is a good test to take. I'm 44 and the man I knew as my dad is still here but because if my mothers lies he wonders out if 8 kids which ones are his. I want to know as well. Tired if the lies and disconnect in this family. Please help.

NotSure 25/11/2016 at 10:23 pm

I need some answers. My mother who is deceased has told me that the man who gave me my name Missy Gayle Elkins is not my father. I was 13 when she said this and has said it until the day she passed. He tells me that I am his and will not do a DNA test. I had a very bad childhood and I feel I need the truth. he said that he meet my mother new years eve of 65. They are married in 3-1967. I was born 8-1967. Some thing is not adding up. I just want the truth,but can not get it. I am now 49. I have never had a good relationship with him.

AboutHumanRights Editor 17/11/2016 at 12:26 pm

We don't know about this scenario - you might want to seek legal advice sorry.

Ken 16/11/2016 at 2:35 pm

I'm 37, so this is obviously an adult child scenario.

It is ultimately disappointing and frustrating that he can, firstly, behave in this way, but from a legal perspective cast aspersions with no consequence upon him. Is there nothing that can be done from a probate perspective or does that need to be after he has passed away?

AboutHumanRights Editor 16/11/2016 at 10:33 am

It's very rare that the courts will order a dna parentage test if the father will not consent to it. The CSA can ask the courts to order one as part of their financial case though. (You haven't given your age so we can't really comment on the latter part)

Ken 15/11/2016 at 12:59 pm

It is interesting finding this page as I find a lot of similarities with my own situation and is something I can definitely relate to. Meeting my biological father is a journey I have been on over the last few years and, like so many of the above stories, is not one that has been easy or straightforward. I've also realised that there are facts and there are emotions and these need to be dealt with separately when talking about establishing parentage. I'll break them out separately below but the question I would like an answer to is quite simple.............can my father be forced to take a DNA to establish paternity to me? Under what basis could this be forced (probate, etc.).

Facts
- No father was named on my birth certificate
- He paid child maintenance for me until I was about 11 before this was stopped when my mother married
- He was in a relationship with my mother at the time
- I have always known and been told he was my father
- Over the two to three year process of eventually getting to meet him he has constantly cast doubt over his parentage to me, saying he doesn't know
- He agreed to do a paternity test when we met but regaled on that when I organised a legal one, he would only complete a peace of mind test (I was unwilling to do this as I would not trust a false result)
- I do not want a penny from him, but if I need to use the probate route to establish parentage, then I would be willing to do that

Any comments/help would be gratefully received.

Twilson 07/10/2016 at 7:00 pm

After 33yrs my husbands father who was in his life for the first 11 years was found after years of looking. However he is saying he may not be his father after all letters of request have been written asking for a DNA test so my husband can find closure and move on but there has been no response. Does he have a legal right for a DNA test? This man has since remarried with other children who know nothing of my husbands existence that's fine it can stay that way my husband just wants the truth....

Smcc89 25/09/2016 at 9:11 pm

I have just found out I have an 11 year old daughter, I broke up with her mother but she never told me she was pregnant and I did not hear from her or see her again.

I have just been contacted on Facebook by her sister telling me I am the Father and I am not disputing it because the dates work out, even though I will still do a DNA test.

The problem is the mother later become an alcohol and drug abuser and her children have been taken off her by social services and put into care.

The young girl who I have been told is my daughter has been adopted and I do not know my rights for anything. I would love to get a DNA test and if she is mine I would love to be in her life.

If she is settled and in school and happy I would not want to drag her away from that I just want to know what steps I can take to find out if she's mine, if I have rights to see her and how I get started on all this.

All advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Rabbitt 13/09/2016 at 11:36 pm

Before my dad passed away he told me that my grandad or his dad was my brothers father,my brother or half brother has nothing to do with me,my mother favors him to no end,my dad sayed,I was his child how can I find out if my brother is a half brother.

Celia 25/08/2016 at 10:08 pm

Could you help. I had a child who is now 36 years old. His father left when I was pregnant, we never married. He paid maintenance for 16 years, and in that time the child never saw his father. My adult child has had contact with my son, however he is now claiming that there is doubt that he is the father, he eventually agreed to a DNA test. My son made the arrangements and advised him, he then told him that he would not take a legal DNA test but would take an unsupervised peace of mind test. This man has had an adverse affect on my life and that of my child and all of this has had an adverse affect on my child's mental health. I have a bulk of correspondence and would like to know if I applied to the court where his maintenance was paid could I ask for a legal DNA test to be done. There is no doubt about paternity but there are medical reasons why the test is required as well as the adverse affect on my child's mental health.

AboutHumanRights Editor 02/08/2016 at 2:14 pm

Not really. It will be his choice, unless you wanted to try a court order, but there'd have to be a good reason for this (such as to find out about an inherited medical disorder etc).

kim 02/08/2016 at 11:41 am

In 2011 after my dad (the man who raised me)passed away I was told by family members that he was not my biological father,and I needed to ask my mom questions.well my mother was suffering from Parkinson's and was unable to answer these questions. I've been told the name of the man who is believed to be my father. In 49 years old and after bee g told this,I look back and a lot makes since now. If he says his not and I've asked to just take the test to prove his not and he refuses,is there anything I can do yo make him take test? This is driving me crazy and I just need. Peace of mind about this. In driving myself crazy...please help!!!

Kim 27/07/2016 at 10:56 am

Hello,
I am hoping you can help in some way advise or other.
I live in Australia and gave birth to my son Jay on 14th March 1987.
Jay's father at the time was in the country with the Royal British navy and we fell in love at that time. We fell pregnant unexpectedly. My sons father was a leading seaman at the time and wished for me to fly to the UK to be with him. The UK advised we would have to be married within 3 months of arrival as I was pregnant, I was not willing to do this so I never left and raised our son alone. He told me if there was ever anything I needed to just ask. All I have ever asked is for him to contact Jay. I advised David (my sons father) that I would always tell him the truth and one day he will come looking. I did send photos and updates over the years but never got a response until I advised his parents I was going to take him to court for maintenance if he will not contact Jay as this is all my son wanted, not money, just for his dad to acknowledge him. This was not to be. David responded with treats to my son and despicable words. My son could go to the media as he is a high profile person but he doesn't want any of that, he just wants to stay in England with his fiance and should have that right. My son is currently 29 years old and living in London only 2 hours from his father. Jay plucked up the courage to write to him as he was all over the news as he was receiving an award from the queen. Prior to this he had kept himself off all social media as if he was hiding.
My son wants a British Passport which he is entitled to however, how does he get his father to do a DNA when he is trying to pretend to his wife he didn't know about him. He has lived a lie. His mother was very influential and told him not to tell his wife although he met her years later.
I am here in Australia very concerned for my son who has never tried to hurt his family in any way and his siblings are all over social media.
What steps can my son take so a DNA test can be done and he could then gain his british passport too.
Really he is quite shattered but a passport is better than nothing.
Jays father is a Warrant Officer Class 1 still in the Navy.
Please help me to help my son who has sunk into a depression due to his fathers lies and arrogance.
Please help.
Yours sincerely

Kim Kyne

Mary 14/07/2016 at 3:37 am

I've never known who my father was. When I was a small child I remember other kids asking me where my dad was, and me saying with nonplussed confidence that I didn't have a dad - it seemed very self-explanatory and unproblematic to me. Now I'm 22 and absolutely desperate to know something, anything, about him. What's his name, build, colouring, favourite food, accent, family, gestures, where's he travelled, does he like music or books, what does he do for a living? I have so many questions which I can't even begin to ask my mum - she isn't a talker in any case, and every year I pluck up the courage to ask her again 'who is my dad?' 'Please tell me about my dad'. 'I understand it is painful for you, and you have no need to worry that I am trying to replace you, as I love you very much and am very grateful for all the things you have done for me... But please tell me about my dad'. I think that the desire to understand BOTH elements from which we are derived is very deep-seated within humans. I need to know, no name on certificate, neither of my other two remaining family members have any idea, what do I do? Some people know their fathers before losing them; I haven't experienced this pain and I'm sure that there exist many people who feel they would be better off never knowing their fathers. But don't we at least deserve the chance to make that judgement?

AboutHumanRights Editor 07/07/2016 at 12:30 pm

There's not really anyway you could make your mother divulge a name if she did not want to unfortunately.

Butterfly 06/07/2016 at 2:08 am

Shortened story..I'm the 3rd child of 7siblings. Mother had an affair with my father who is African/Jamaican I think.I am mixed race the rest of siblings white.she says she had a one night standard and can't remember. And I should be grateful she kept me.I know she lived with him.she refuses to tell me his name.is have health issues and want to know if by law .does she have to tell me?if want to prosecute her and be made to tell me. She has deprived my of a dad and my children a grandad..she's the spawn of satan.

banner3142 25/06/2016 at 10:13 am

Correction for below **My biological and adoptive father have deceased and so has my biological paternal grandmother **

banner3142 25/06/2016 at 10:09 am

My mother brought me up as a single parent and she did not put my biological father on to my birth certificate. At a later stage when I was aged 4 my mum’s new boyfriend adopted me; he is now deceased.

A few years after adopting me this man had his own children with my mother (my half-brother/sister) and my relationship with this man plummeted rapidly; I was treated like a black sheep. As soon as I could I searched for my biological father but my adopted father found out and put a stop to it, he made my life even more of a misery and when I was aged 16 my mother advised me to go and live with my maternal grandparents.
When I moved to my grandparents, the family of my adopted father didn't want to know me; I immediately tracked down my biological father and the rest of his family, when I met them I instantly felt a belonging and association and everything was so comfortable. I found out my biological father was half Italian as his mother (my grandmother) was born in Sardinia; which explains where I get my skin complexion and my other looks from.

As I said earlier my biological father is deceased and so is his mother; I have a strong relationship with his brother (my uncle) and aunties and their children, but the thing is at the age of 43 are having my first child with my partner and I want to tell my child that my biological father was his granddad and that his mother is his grandmother and that she was Italian.
My child and I have Italian ancestors but we have nothing to prove it and I was thinking of applying for an Italian passport.
I would like my biological father to be put on my birth certificate as my father but he is deceased and I don't know whether it would be possible? Please help.

Jemclem 02/06/2016 at 1:03 am

Im 29, 10 years ago i foumd out the man thst brought me up isnt my billogical father. I have next to no info on him other than his names nick, no surname although he told people it was smith 'thought to be a lie) hes from lincolnshire or derbyshire areas where they call people 'duck' alot. He will be late 40s to mid 50s now. In 1985 he worked on michael hollands fair on the dodgems, hollands fairground rides are huge in uk, yet ive messaged alot of said family and no1 is willing to help me. Nick worked with a bloke called tony on the dodgems, nick was average height, slender build and had a tattoo of donald duck on his upper (think right) arm. Where would i even start with this limited info?

sammie ? 22/04/2016 at 2:42 pm

Hello please can you let me no if i can somehow get an answer from my mother to who my biological father is, she was married at the time and my brother was 3, shes told me my whole life my brothers father was our dad, but she had remarried since, so wouldnt help us find him. Iv found him last month and it was magical for 3 hours until we realised their may be achance hes not mine, dna test proved our fears :( i have asked, begged, pleaded with my so called mother and all family members for a name or even an explanation but iv had nothing back from family, and the mother has said she dosnt no a thing, as far a she knew blah blah blah. Well iv made a post on fb asking for BIMMY THE BUILDER who i have got his name from my nrothers dad, (he was caught in the house during the time) but other than that "maybe" bit of info, i have nothing. I feel it should be a human right to no this information, is their anything i can do like take her to court..... Im 29 years old now and have a beautiful 8 yr old girl so it feels im being robbed of knowing who i really am.
Thankyou and i will look forward to hearing from you. Sammie

AboutHumanRights Editor 30/03/2016 at 12:15 pm

There is not much you can do to force him to meet you unfortunately. Your father may also be struggling emotionally with this too. Yes as biological/illegitimate child you can make a claim on your father's estate under the Family Law Reform Act 1987 which gives both legitimate and illegitimate children the same rights to inherit from their parents if they die intestate (with no will). If there is a will, and you are not provided for, you can try to make a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975, which states that illegitimate children have a possible claim.

Swanseasmith 28/03/2016 at 12:02 pm

I'm 54
After many years of being told who my birth father was I've finally tracked him down.
He says he will meet but keeps cancelling arrangements.
From originally wanting to make contact with him for my peace of mind and giving my kids a grandad I am now starting to resent him as he is making me an emotional wreck.
Can I do anything legally to make this man do a test or meet me.
I've never wanted anything from him just to shake hands and share a pint but now I'm concidering laying a claim to his estate..
Am I wrong ?

Bs 10/03/2016 at 12:54 am

I'm 28 and live in UK.. I found out 14 years ago that my father was not my biological father. .my mother passed away and gave me the information of my biological father his name etc. I have not yet approached this man but if I do ask him for a DNA test and he refuses.. Is there any legal action which I can take to ensure he takes test?

Paul 09/03/2016 at 10:06 pm

Hey im 17 years old turning 18 im an eu citizen living in uk but my father is not in my birth certificate ive met him last when i was about 7 i have details about him and i know he lives in switzerland but i dont know what would be the first steps to take for a dna test and also he has a family there aswell

Greenbean 17/02/2016 at 6:40 pm

I am 52 years old, I was recently told that my father is not my biological father - I don't have a relationship with him at this time - and need to find out if he is my father or not. I I am an RH negative 0- and beleive that one of my parents should have the same blood type. How can I get his blood type? My mother won't answer me -
Thank you,
Deeply Confused!!!
Cheryl Bennett

AboutHumanRights Editor 11/02/2016 at 11:23 am

Here is a list of places where you can search army archives and this would be the best place to start.

AJ 10/02/2016 at 11:42 pm

I'm 24 years old. I don't know my Fathers Family. He died in an accident before my mother even got married to him. She was in the same car when it happened (detail: more witnesses and injured people at that specific time)

They only thing I know about him is his First name, and A picture i saw in my youth.

I really want to know my family and what kinda person my dad was. Just too feel relieved.

shazza 09/02/2016 at 11:53 am

Im 54 years old i want to find my birth father i know very little about him i know his name i also know that he went awol from the army when i was 3 months old he went to prison. He ran away with my birth mother in sept 1960 to greetnagreen but never carrid it through he was a scottish solider please help me find him

AboutHumanRights Editor 06/01/2016 at 11:00 am

It's unlikely that a court would order your father to take a paternity test since you are 31 years of age and it is no longer relevant for purposes of child maintenance etc.

munc 05/01/2016 at 1:01 pm

I am 31 years old and have been through hell with all the questions about my father and nobody giving me answers until about 2 years ago. I got his name etc and found out he has been living in the same town the whole time. So I contacted my step sister explaining who I was after a year and a half of plucking up the courage to do so. We exchanged number and I waited for him to text. We met up and it was very nerve racking to begin but we just broke the ice so to speak. The way he was acting I thought he knew he was the father (truth be told he knows and always has done) but as warned the second time we met he flipped it saying I have no proof and I'm really only after money (he has cancer which I found out after we first got intouch) I only wanted to drown the demon by meeting him and maybe start a relationship. But I never listened to all the warnings and now he's trying to say im not his and saying my mother had lots of men (which even his family and friends say isn't true) so I asked for a dna test but still no reply. I need this sorted because for 1t years I spent blaming myself into a bottle and can't go through that again. People are just saying I want inheritance but it's far from true but if it carry on ill end up doing it our of spite to what he did to me and my family. Am I entitled to a dna or can he deni it and walk way again scott free

AboutHumanRights Editor 22/12/2015 at 11:07 am

You could try making an application to see the court records.

Annie 21/12/2015 at 2:29 am

My sister trying to find out who her father is she was never told his name our mother died unexpectedly so now we don't know my father dodent know his name we only know that he had to pay maintenance so must of been a court case can she see those documents she was born in 1958

babs 19/12/2015 at 12:18 am

I am a father of 3 kids 2girls and a son. I somehow for da past 21 yrs feel it hard to belive that my son is really mine reason being my wife was having. Affairs and sexual relationship with other men before she gave birth. To our last born. I am really confused b cos he don't have any of my features.

Joey 14/12/2015 at 8:38 am

Hi I'm 29 years.I have never know my father, My Mother pass on and so I found my Fathers family .Him mom sister they all except me but i have to see them without him knowing ...and my brother which he also didn't acknowledge before. I have phone him(Father) a few time and spoke to him that i just want the acknowledgement and he gave me all the excuses why he couldn't and all i asked from him was a blood test.I look just like my father.I tried to let go of it since I have my own family but i guess they cant fill that gab. Is there anyway that i can get a blood test done through court ..so i can know for sure ...I'm not sure to love my brother as my brother coz im not sure even tho we look alike i still wane know for sure...

AboutHumanRights Editor 02/12/2015 at 11:22 am

You could try applying for a court order but you would need to have a valid reason for doubting the validity of the current birth certificate.

LilMa 30/11/2015 at 8:47 pm

I have a question if this person name is on My birth certificate stating that he's the father but I never meet in but now he's dead. I spoken to one of his children in early March this year, her name is DeLana Metcalfe she and the rest of her siblings saying he's not my father also I'm not there siblings so I also requested a DNA test from one of them they refuse also my mom refuse to help. Me so I need some guidelines how to go about this

Lost 28/11/2015 at 1:14 am

I am the 2nd of 6 children. I have a brother that is 3 years older than I. He was legally adopted by the man who I thought was my biological father. When I was born, they placed his name on my birth certificate. I always knew I looked different from my four younger sisters and often wondered why my sister that is 18 months younger than me received the name of both grandmothers. I found out when I was 36 that he wasn't my biological father by my sister that is 10 years younger than me. She found out at the family reunion and shared this information with me upon her return. I waited until the next day to call my mom and confirm the information. She became very upset and would not provide any details. Apparently everyone on my non-biological fathers side knew-including cousins-my age. My brother-who was adopted and my 4younger sisters think that this is no big deal and I should drop it. We haven't talked about this in a couple of years, however, this has caused an enormous strain on my relationship with my mom and siblings. I did a lot of research and digging to found out who my biological father was-2 years after he passed. I struggle with the unknown alot, mostly during the holidays. I find that a trust has been broken. I feel betrayed and yet my mother and siblings do not understand this. I could go on, however I think you get the picture. I avoid family gatherings, etc.. I am interested in your thoughts.

Cassy 26/11/2015 at 3:40 pm

I have never met my biological father and would love too, I believe I know where he is but I don't know how to go about proving it is him???

JJ 25/11/2015 at 2:32 pm

My mother will not disclose you my father is. The person on my birth certificate is not my biological father. I do not have a good relationship with my mother and the chances are there could be a few different people she was with at the time so may not know 100%. Is there a legal way I could make her disclose who it could be?

AboutHumanRights Editor 17/11/2015 at 11:16 am

You can have the non-bioloigcal father removed from the birth certificate with the test results you already have. The courts can order that the man who you think is the natural father takes a DNA test and issue a declaration of parentage which will mean the real father can be registered on the birth certificate.

AboutHumanRights Editor 17/11/2015 at 10:01 am

Suerly, just carry on as you were? If the non biological father and his family love your child and your child is happy with that, why would you want to change things?

Nicky 15/11/2015 at 2:53 am

Question I have a daughter who is nine the man that I thought is her father turn out he is not her biological father we had a test done he is name on her birth paper .Her biological father acknowledged he is the dad but refuses to get a test done how can I get him to do the test legally in the courts.

Twiggy 14/11/2015 at 3:31 pm

I had a boyfriend 34yrs ago and we believed that my child was his,I was married then and got divorced 25yrs ago after blood test proved that my ex was not his biological father. now we did a blood test and he is not the biological father but still maintains that my child is his and nothing will change that, what should I do, my child loves this man and his family loves my child, and my child is aware of the results but does not want to believe them

I_AM_G_FORCE 28/10/2015 at 7:59 pm

I was raised in a single parent family. My mum told me when I was 16 some information about my father I found him in about 3 days but he tried to deny he was my father but didn't say it outright he was obviously lying
We have the same first (uncommon) name
Anyway he denies everything won't communicate with me and told his kids if they talk to me they will be cut out of his will.
I just want to know for sure if he is my dad I am 39 now and my mum is dead. Is there any law I could use of should I just give up leaving this empty home inside until the day I die?

AboutHumanRights Editor 15/10/2015 at 12:14 pm

Speak with social services and ask them what the process for adoption would be...that's problem the only way that she will be allowed to return to live with you.

Katy Lou 88 14/10/2015 at 8:34 pm

Hi, I'm 27 and never known my father. He has always maintained that I wasn't his. 7 years ago I found him on Facebook. He has had another daughter but is in a relationship with her mother, my sister is 13.
He refuses to take a DNA test. I just want closure. I'm in England and he resides in ROI where he has been since before I was born. Do I have any legal rights to make him do the test? All of his family live in the same town as me, I know none of them.

Geisha 14/10/2015 at 4:03 pm

Hi My husband was in a relationship about 11 yrs ago and believed he was the childs father so his name is on the birth certificate he was given residency of her as the mum did not want her. 6 months after we got together and brought her up as my own the problem began when the mother wanted access to her daughter and take custody of her so he was ordered by the courts to have a dna to establish the biological father but it was not him so the court orderd the child to be with the mother 6 yrs later the social services have managed to find us and have told us that the child has been in there cate for the past 3 yrs the mother gave her up voluntary due to investigations do we have any rights to have her coming to us to live with

One of a kind 01/10/2015 at 3:53 pm

I'm 30 and I have 3 children. There going to have many questions. How can I answer them if I've been lied to my whole life.I need to know for health reasons and well hell I want to know who I am... What can I do any suggestions.

AboutHumanRights Editor 19/08/2015 at 12:44 pm

We're not sure what your question is really. Your "son" will not be able to claim any retrospective maintenance from you if that's your question?

fishguy 18/08/2015 at 5:42 pm

I just got contacted on facebook from a gal that says her 34 year old son might be mine? I am worried about any legal ramifications? please advice

AboutHumanRights Editor 17/08/2015 at 2:20 pm

Yes, complete this form and send it to the General Register Office.

podgey 17/08/2015 at 8:42 am

hi, im one of 4 siblings - my birth certificate shows father 'unknown', im 41 now and have no doubt who my father is, he worked away when i was born - so never signed the certificate, but even after all these years it still upsets me. is there any way he can sign my birth certificate in this day and age.
many thanks

Shortstack 14/08/2015 at 11:58 am

So, I'm almost 14 years old and when I was 12 I found out that the guy who had been raising me, may not be my real father. My mom cheated and then, well here I am. I met him a couple weeks after my 13 birthday and I honestly think he's my real dad. We've been talking about a test all summer but I always had camps or something I had to do and his son was down and me and him hit really close and we all kinda forgot about it. His family is really nice, and they've got me closer to God and he had helped me out of depression. After 12 years of not knowing me, he's finally getting to know me and same about him. I love my dad, but I kinda hope this other guy is my real one. When I get the test idk how or what I'm gonna tell the guy who's been raising me. He'll always be my dad, and I'll visit. But I feel like (if the other guy is my dad) that he'll hate meg or getting on it cause it'll look like I never cared about anything he's done for me.

AboutHumanRights Editor 29/07/2015 at 2:40 pm

@Smudge. Yes they have acted fraudulently but taking legal action would not really help you with identifying your real father. You could try court action to get your parents to divulge the name of your natural father but that mightn't work either. A legal professional might be able to help further.

Smudge 28/07/2015 at 7:12 pm

Hi
I found out six years ago, whilst my parents were going through a divorce, my Dad told me that he wasn't my Dad and that he met my Mum at 5 months pregnant. They decided not to tell my biological father and instead put my non-biological father on the birth certificate.
I have reached a point in my life where I would like to find out who my biological father is, but both my Mum and Dad have refused to tell me and say they will never tell me and that I have no right to know.
Having spent some time reading UK Law and Birth certificates, it would read that my Mum and Dad committed fraud by putting him on the birth certificate knowing he wasn't my biological father. At this time, they also weren't married at the time of registering me and didn't marry for some 18 months later.
Where do I stand with this and is this fraud?

Many thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 29/07/2015 at 2:34 pm

@So. There are no "rights" as such that you can claim from a father at the age of 55. If you want him on your birth certificate and he does not consent, then you will need to apply for a court order.

so 28/07/2015 at 4:17 pm

i am 55 i am using a surname that is not my fathers , have been looking for him for years , found him on face book through the lady who he is married to. when i said i would like to meet him and claim my rights she blocked me on face book. the problem is they are in the uk and i am in africa, i would like advise on how to get him to be on my birthcertificate , cause i need to have peace of mind and my heritage . please help me how can i handle this situation. the wife is the one that is a problem. she told me that he had a stroke and cant speak , so there is no luck for me before she blocked me on face book . please help me

heather 22/07/2015 at 7:05 am

Im 25 years old and ive been looking for my dad since I could remember. Well last year I found his mom and she told me that he wasnt willling to do a paternity test with me. But his name is on my birth certificate and everything.is there any way that I could make him take one with me? Just so that I could know.

AboutHumanRights Editor 24/06/2015 at 1:48 pm

@wll76. There's usually no way to "force" this information out of people but perhaps it's worth seeking the advice of a solicitor. If there are genuine reasons as to why the information is needed, it could perhaps be the subject of a court order etc.

wll176 19/06/2015 at 11:52 pm

I'm almost 40 yrs old and for as long as I can remember when it came to my biological father's information (name, description, any details) the answer was always "none of your f*+@¤n business". i got a copy of my long form birth registration and she did not fill his name in. How can I make her tell me. I personally don't care about a relationship with him ( not about to interrupt anyone's life) i need his name and medical info as my children and I have had some medical issues that show to be hereditary and from his side of the family. is it not my right to know who he is?

bluebell 09/06/2015 at 7:07 pm

hi, my father who I knew 22 yrs.,,died in 1963, when I got married ,,I saw for the first time , that on my birth certificate was my mothers maiden name ,,,,only ,, I was shocked ,and wondered if he was my real dad !?.... how can I find out ? my name was clegg all through school, which i Hated...as there was a lot of name calling,,,,,,,how can I find out if he was my real dad

AboutHumanRights Editor 04/06/2015 at 2:46 pm

@Court. If you'd really like to find out, you could ask your father or mother to arrange for a DNA test. There is a fee for this. You can find DNA testing laboratories in your area via the Internet.

court 02/06/2015 at 3:03 pm

please help im 14 and im a bit un sure if my dads my dad my mam used to sleep around please help

Tracey 05/05/2015 at 12:36 pm

Hi my mum past away 25 years ago now my dad was murdered this year and I have 3 brothers but was told one of use is not dads kid now our do I go about getting a DNA done to see we are going thought court at minute due to the man that killed dad we all got his name on birth certificate but on of brothers is trying to take over as he nos there is money invold he is the youngest of use all can anyone take over or is it the oldest one to take matters in hand for dad

AboutHumanRights Editor 12/02/2015 at 10:18 am

@ShelterUK. No the freedom of information act would not be relevant in this case, but the Human Rights Act as suggested in the above article repsonse may be used.

shelteruk 09/02/2015 at 1:13 am

Hi, my question is this ... if someone has grown up being told the man in thier life was thier father but then as ateenager was told he wasnt what rights would the now adult child have to make the birth mother reveal what she knows about the real father. Could the freedom of infomation act be used under the terms of a person being aloud to obtain any infomation that contains something about them.

Thank you for reading this.

AboutHumanRights Editor 24/10/2014 at 10:21 am

@Angela. You will have to check all the documentation he had and see if there's anything that would indicate you were his child. The testimonies of his siblings may also help but this is not going to be easy without legal help unfortunately.

Angela 21/10/2014 at 6:22 pm

Hi,

My dad has just passed away and he is not listed on my birth certificate. My mum put my sisters dads name as her reason was she wanted my to have her married surname.
I have been in contact with my dad all my life and now my dads brothers and sisters have given me his bank card and details to release the money in his account. He left no will and as his only daughter everyone has assumed I can obtain a letter from a solicitor go give to the bank. Will I need to provide proof as in my birth certificate to get this letter? I cannot prove legally he is my dad! Any advise would help. Thankyou

crazylink 17/08/2014 at 1:29 pm

Hello
I was brought up by my mum and step father but I was always told by my mum who my father was and seen him around alot when I was a little boy.the only thing is he is not on my birth certificate and never payed any money to my mum.im now 34 years old I have asked him on facebook as that was the only way if he would be willing to do a DNA test done and I would pay for it. but blocked me for no reason is there anyway that he can be made to do a DNA test please please help me thanks you

Edna 05/05/2014 at 2:09 pm

Hi my father is not on my birth certificate. My birth mum will not tell me who
It is nor will my aunty who brought me up and I called her MUM.
My birth mum told me she took a man to court in the 60s , 70s for
DNA which proved inconclusive . Can I see the record of this.
I have the right to know who my father is but no one in my family
Will tell me. I affects me all the time, even worse now my children are
Grown up.
Can anyone help please.

Mar 27/06/2013 at 12:22 am

I am 56 years old. When I was 16 my father died. Shortly after that my mother told me that my father might not have been my father. She told me she was seeing another man before she met my father and he might be my father. Problem is that she had his name wrong and he had no idea that I was alive. Well, after 40 years of looking for this man I found him! The web site turned his name around and even gave me his address and phone number. All I could think of was that I had to see his face. I never looked like anyone in my family so I wanted to know what would happen. I called him and he answered my questions that let me know he was the man I was looking for. I went to his house and made up a story that I was doing a documentary. Long story short, this man turned out to be my biological father. I was able to get his DNA, he gave it to me. He was real nice but the problem is that his son has convinced him that I am a scammer and he is also afraid that his girlfriend will find out. So, After 40 years I find my biological father but because of others I can't get to know him. It is also very annoying that every time you try to ask anyone for help they always tell you to just drop it. Leave the guy alone, forget about it.
What gives people the right to tell a person to leave someone alone? If the old guy would of been rude or mean and told me to get lost I would of left him alone. But, no, it's the son who has no children that is putting stuff into his head. This whole thing is making me very mad. Why do people think they have the right to have a child and don't have any responsibility to let their child know who they really are just because they wanted to have a child? Now, the fact that I am 56 years old gives me even less rights because I don't need child support. The laws need to change and people shouldn't have the right to just have a child because they felt like it. The children should have rights too!

Michelle 01/10/2012 at 5:56 pm

My father (black African) died when I was five years old and my mother (white European) had left me for adoption due to my skin colour . My father's family learned about my existence and a DNA test was carried out . Blood samples were provided from the widow of my father and his two children . The outcome of the test was 'Inconclusive ' . Of course I am not satisfied with the outcome of the DNA result and have logged a case with the Ministry of Justice in Angola . I am waiting for the MInistry of Justice to agree with me request of a second DNA test . The family is refusing and I on another hand have the right to be part of my fathers' culture and language . Please advice me how to proceed and if I have any chance of proving my African ancestry .

ateeba 14/09/2012 at 11:04 am

for as long as i can remember my mum has told me that my dad said he wasn't my dad .so i don't have hes name i had to be given my mums name and what i don't understand is why would my mum send me and my big sister up to see this man every week for 16years to get money from him if hes not my dad this man has been in and out of my life from the day i was born.i know he's the farther of my big sister because she has his name but she doesn't have anything to do with him.and when i ask my dad about what he has said about me he told me that my mother was sleeping around with my little brother's dad and that i could be this other man's child.that has really hurt me because if that's how my dad see me then why does he want to stay in my life and why won't my dad have a dna test done so i can put is to rest because i feel i don't belong anywhere and its even hearder because i don't really get on with my mother she is no better than my dad because she has put me in and out of care for 18years of my life to.so where do i sand in all of this what is this world saying to me that i have no rights because if that's so i wish i was never born.please try and help me.thank you for taking the time to read my stroy

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