Science behind DNA testing and what it means in family law

Toronto family law issues are some of the most difficult legal problems. While most people enter a relationship and have children with someone else thinking that their bond will only grow with time, the unfortunate reality is that this is not always the case. Relationships fray and people can grow apart. However, if there are children in the relationship, certain legal realities need to be established. Paternity is one.

When we talk about, “paternity,” we are talking about establishing the identity of the biological father. These days, the most common way to establish paternity is through DNA testing. And, there is a science behind DNA testing that is important for anyone facing this family law issue to understand.

First and foremost, DNA is the genetic material that we all have in our bodies, and each person’s DNA is unique. A child will get half of his or her DNA material from their mother and the other half from their father.

When it comes to DNA testing to establish paternity, a child’s DNA is compared to the mother’s DNA and, through the process of elimination, anything that is not similar in the child’s DNA to the mother’s DNA must have come from the father. The child’s DNA is then compared to the purported father and, if there are enough similarities, the purported father can be legally declared as the father of the child.

This science behind DNA testing is essential in many family law cases. It is important to know who is responsible for a child’s financial support and wellbeing.