Child Paternity Lawyers Glasgow, Scotland

A child’s mother is usually easily identifiable. She is person who gave birth to the child. The question of a child’s father however can be more problematic. The only way of confirming paternity is by undergoing a DNA test.

Courts in Scotland cannot order an individual to undergo a paternity test. They can request that they do so. They can make inferences if they do not, however they cannot force someone to undertake this medical procedure against their will.

Given the difficulties with paternity, the law in Scotland is based on a number of presumptions which are contained in Children (Scotland) Act 1995, namely that a man will be deemed to be the father of a child:

• If he was married to the mother of the child at the time of the child’s conception or subsequently
• If both he and the mother of the child have acknowledged that he is the father and he has been registered as such.
• Where the court has declared him to be the father of the child. This is known as Declarator of Parentage.

How we can help 

If you wish to be formally recognised as your child’s father but you are not named on the birth certificate nor were you married to the child’s mother, then we can assist you in either liaising with the child’s mother to arrange a DNA test, or raise the relevant court action for Declarator of Parentage.

If you wish to dispute that you are in fact the father of a child, it is possible to displace the above presumptions. The best way of doing so would be by way of a DNA test. We can assist you in arranging this with the child’s mother or, in the event that she is not willing to cooperate, with raising the necessary court action to have the court confirm that you are not the child’s father. This is called a Declarator of Non Parentage. 

Contact our child lawyers for Glasgow, Scotland

Our experienced team of family lawyers have had extensive training and have experience in both mediation and collaborative law, thus having all the necessary skills to adapt their approach to the needs of each client to ensure the best outcome is achieved. Call our child law solicitors on 0141 429 8166 or complete our online contact form.