DNA Testing Guide

Results in 3-5 Days | 100% Accurate* | Fully Accredited

Contents Introduction 3

What is DNA Testing? 4

Legal or Private DNA Testing 5

What steps are involved with testing? 6

Considering the outcomes and the best interests of your child 7

DNA Testing in court and legal cases 8

The Mediation process and DNA testing 8

The benefits of testing in mediation 9

Decisions when choosing a DNA Testing Company 10

Other types of DNA Testing 11

Frequently Asked Questions about DNA Testing 12,13

Frequently Asked Questions about National Family Mediation 14,15

DNA Worldwide Group © 2012 - All rights reserved | * Up to 100% exclusion or 99.9999% inclusion of relationship

Introduction DNA Worldwide is a private fully accredited company providing the highest quality DNA, Drug & Alcohol Testing. Every member of the team is focused on ensuring the entire process is as simple and convenient as possible.

Our market leading customer service, certified to ISO9001:2008, is why thousands of clients trust DNA Worldwide to support their testing needs.

The Company exceeds all UK and international requirements for DNA testing through its ISO 17025:20052 laboratory, Eurofins Medigenomix and adheres to the Human Tissue Act.

Eurofins Medigenomix has been accredited by the Ministry of Justice as a body that may carry out parentage tests directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.

All tests are dealt with discretely, efficiently and are subject to the highest levels of security with results delivering 100% accuracy and up to 99.9999% positive proof of relationship or 100% exclusion of relationship.

fast, fully accredited DNA testing...

delivering 100% accuracy

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What is DNA Testing? In order to establish with absolute certainty the biological father of a child, a simple mouth swab, is collected from the child, father and mother. Using the DNA on the mouth swab a unique DNA profile for each person is generated.

Our highly skilled laboratory team carefully reviews the results using sophisticated computer programs and data analysis, to determine if the child is biologically related to the father and with what degree of certainty.

The entire process in the Laboratory takes between 3-5 business days before the results are issued. A dual testing system is in place so you will have absolute confidence in the accuracy of the results.

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Legal or Private DNA TestingDepending on your reason for taking a paternity test this will determine the type of test you take; a home or a legal test.

Whilst the accuracy of the testing and the results will be identical the legal DNA test is conducted under full chain of custody. This means an independent medical practitioner will collect the DNA from each participant. Each participant is also required to provide photo ID (where possible) and two passport photos.

The legal test report is recognised and accepted by courts in the UK and overseas and is sometimes called a “court approved test”.

The home test, also known as a peace of mind test, provides no chain of custody or guarantee that the individuals named as the participants have provided their own DNA. In effect there is no independent witness to verify the samples are from who they say they are.

You will require a legal DNA test for;

1. Child Residence, Contact and Maintenance Issues

2. Changing the name on a birth certificate

3. Court or Immigration Reasons

4. Where uncertainty between parties exist and you want absolute proof that no tampering has occurred

Dual testing systemso you have absolute

confidence in theaccuracy of results

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What steps are involved with testing?DNA Worldwide make sure that testing is as simple and fast for each person taking part. Your case manager will arrange everything for you including arranging sample collection for legal cases.

1. Determine the type of test required. If you are unsure you can clarify any points with DNA Worldwide, your solicitor or mediator.

2. Book and order your DNA test either directly with DNA Worldwide or thr ough your solicitor or mediator.

3. Collecting the DNA Samples of each person

a. For a private/home DNA Test a kit will be provided to yourself to collect the DNA Samples and return to DNA Worldwide.

b. For a legal DNA Test, DNA Worldwide will arrange a medical practitioner to collect the DNA samples of each person. Two passport photos and photo ID must be provided to the medical practitioner. The medical practitioner will verify the identity of each person, collect the DNA samples and return to DNA Worldwide for testing.

4. Results will be released within 3-5 business days to the nominated parties.

Considering the outcomes of the test and your childs best interestsThe most important consideration of a DNA Test is what impact this will have on the child(ren) concerned. A DNA test should always be in the best interests of the child.

For a child, it is important to feel and to know both parents to be the people that take responsibility for raising and parenting them. Therefore whilst DNA Testing offers an opportunity to establish truth, in order for the parents to move forward, it does not change the fact that the child sees the person who raises them to be their parent. It is important to consider;

• If the person who is being tested has raised the child and it turns out they are not the biological father, how will this alter the child’s relationship with them?

• Will the child still feel supported by their extended family or will contact cease?

• Is the child of the age when they can be involved in the decision to take a DNA test?

Results will be released within

3-5 business days

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DNA Testing in court and legal cases In general a paternity test is carried out during a court case when one parent or another interested party who is not the mothers partner wishes to establish paternity. If one or more of the parties is not willing for the test to be undertaken the Court may issues a Section 20 Court order for DNA testing. An establishment of paternity often leads to:

1. An obligation to pay child maintenance

2. A legal right to request contact with the child.

At the conclusion of court proceedings, the judge may issue a court order stating whether a man is the child’s legal father or not.

The Courts recognise that parents are generally best placed to know what is in their children’s interests and are encouraging parents to work this out together, with the assistance of a qualified mediator.

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The Mediation process and DNA testingMediation is designed to support you reach your own agreements concerning all aspects of your separation or divorce e.g. children, finances, property etc. National Family Mediation are the UK’s leading family mediation specialists.

In mediation, parents will have an opportunity to consider all aspects of their separation including child residence and contact or parenting time, as well as child maintenance payments. This can include making an agreement about having DNA, alcohol and drug testing.

1. Clients attend a meeting with a mediator (either separately or together initially) who will explain the process and benefits of mediation.

2. The mediator will assess you for eligibility for public funding (Legal Aid) which may also cover the cost of DNA and Drug & Alcohol testing. If you do not qualify, you will be made aware of the costs.

3. If both parties and the mediator feel it’s appropriate to continue with mediation, a joint session, often entitled a ‘planning meeting’ will be booked and mediation progressed.

4. If DNA, Drug or Alcohol Testing is deemed appropriate then the mediator will assist in arranging this before the next mediation session.

The benefits of testing in mediation Many couples have successfully negotiated child issues including child contact, residence and maintenance in mediation. Often DNA, Drug and Alcohol testing will go hand in hand with helping parents in mediation negotiate a successful agreement.

We understand that the availability and requirements of the testing facility can impact on your willingness to have these tests conducted. As this testing is available within National Family Mediation services, parties to mediation do not have to go elsewhere to have these tests done.

Legal DNA Testing conducted through DNA Worldwide is acceptable in the Courts and would not need to be repeated if mediation is not successful and the decision to go to court is made.

DNA Worldwide understands the clients

requirements‘ ’

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Decisions when choosing a DNA Testing Company DNA Testing is life changing. The results have wide implications for the child, parents and extended family. It is therefore important to ensure the company chosen for a DNA Test offers absolute accuracy.

Whilst accreditations provide a strong indication of the company it is also important to spend time talking to the team that will handle your case, ensure they understand what you are looking for and that you feel confident in the level of service they offer.

As a minimum the company providing your testing should be:

1. Accredited to ISO:17025 for DNA Testing. This means that a strict operating procedure is followed from the moment the sample is received in the lab until the moment the test report is signed off by the Laboratory director.

2. Accredited to ISO:9001 for customer service, sample handling and results delivery. This ensures from the moment you make contact with the company to the moment your results are provided a strict set of policies are followed.

3. Accredited by the Ministry of Justice to provide DNA Testing for UK Courts. This ensures that the results of a legal test will be recognised in UK Courts.

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100% fastprofessional,

clear first rate service

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Other types of DNA Testing In addition to a standard paternity test there are other ways to establish a biological relationship, it may be that one parent is not available but proving paternity is still required. Or it could be that a different relationship is in question.

DNA Worldwide provide a full range of DNA Testing options and have a unique service that looks at up to 44 DNA Markers compared to the UK standard of 16 markers. This means more accurate results and the ability to provide conclusive results where other labs are unable.

The following are examples of the types of DNA testing that can be established;

1. Sibling - to determine if two or more siblings share the same mother, father or both.

2. Aunt/Uncle – to determine if a niece or nephew is biologically related to their aunt or uncle.

3. Grandparent testing – to determine if a child is the biological grandchild of the grandparents.

4. Cousin Testing – to determine up to 4th Cousin relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about

DNA Testing The selection of common questions are provided below, if you have any other questions or would like further clarification please call us on 01373 800130 or email info@dna-worldwide.com.

1. Q. What type of DNA sample is required?

A. DNA Testing is conducted using painless mouth swab samples.

2. Q. Does the mother need to be tested in a paternity test?

A. The mother does not need to be tested but it is recommended to ensure full consent from all parties involved. If the mother is not taking part then a person with parental responsibility for the child must sign on the child’s behalf.

3. Q. How does a father know if he has parental responsibility?

A. If the parents were married at the time of the child’s birth or the parents married at any time after the child’s birth he will have parental responsibility. The father does not lose parental responsibility after divorce

If the parents never married and the father is not named on the birth certificate he will only have PR if a court order has been made or there has been an agreement made with the mother

If the child was born after 1st Dec 2003 and the father is named on the birth certificate he will have parental responsibility.

4. Q. How long does a DNA Test take?

A. The results are released in 3-5 business days from the date the samples are received at the laboratory and testing starts.

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DNA Worldwideprovide a full range

of DNA Testing‘ ’

5. Q. Can you get a FREE DNA Test?

A. DNA Testing is not covered by the NHS. However if the parties are eligible for legal aid this may be claimed as a disbursement subject to approval by the Legal Services Commission. Legal aid is only available in certain circumstances.

6. Q. At what age can a child be tested?

A. Children can be tested from birth using the painless mouth swab.

7. Q. Is DNA Testing Confidential?

A. All results are fully confidential and only provided to the nominated individuals who have been tested. Every person taking part in the test is entitled to a copy of the results.

8. Q. Can you establish the biological father without him taking part in the test?

A. Yes we can test other relatives to determine paternity without needing a sample from the father.

9. Q. There are two alleged fathers that are related what do I do? A.. The ideal situation is to test both potential fathers. If this is not possible then you can choose to have extended testing carried out for an additional fee.

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Frequently Asked Questions about National Family Mediation Family mediation can help improve communication, help you make decisions about future arrangements for the children and help you make decisions about property and finance as it affects your separation.

1. Q. Who is National Family Mediation?

A. National Family Mediation (NFM) is the only voluntary sector provider of family mediation. NFM is the umbrella organisation for its charitable member services in England and Wales which all offer high quality family mediation and supporting provision in all communities to help families through the process of family breakdown.

2. Q. How do I contact National Family Mediation?

A. A list of your local service is provided on the NFM website (www.nfm.org. uk) or by calling 0300 4000 636.

3. Q. What can Mediation Provide? A. A safe neutral environment in which to discuss things •Impartiality •Anorganisedandconstructiveprocess, •Optionsforyoutoexplore •Alastingagreementforthefuture

MEDIATORS DO NOT: •Givelegaladvice •Offercounsellingortherapy •Makedecisionsforyou

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Family mediation can help improve communication

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5. Q. Who are the National Family Mediation Mediators?

A. Our experienced mediators come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. All have been trained by National Family Mediation or other approved body and participate in continuous professional development. Once training is completed all mediators are competence assessed by the Family Mediation Council to Legal Services Commission requirements.

6. Q. How long will mediation take?

A. The average time for “All Issues Mediation” is between 3 and 5 meetings.

However, the time needed depends on:

•Individualcircumstances

•Thenumberandcomplexityoftheissuesthat need resolving

•Howflexibleyoucanberegardingdays/timesfor appointments

7. Q. Is there a fee for Mediation?

A. National Family Mediation is pledged to make mediation available to all regardless of ability to pay. However Services must obviously cover their costs to remain financially viable and available. The income from grants and charitable trusts is declining. As a consequence all services have a charging policy. Please contact your local service for an idea of costs or to find out if you qualify for free mediation.

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DNA Worldwide Group LtdK10, The Courtyard, Jenson Avenue, Commerce Park, Frome BA11 2FG

UK +44 (0) 845 257 1217 Fax +44 (0) 845 280 1732 Email info@dna-worldwide.com

www.dna-worldwide.com

National Family Mediation4 Barnfield Hill, Exeter, EX1 1SR

Tel: 0300 4000 636 Fax: 01392 271945 Email: general@nfm.org.ukwww.nfm.org.uk