The response and consequences of a DNA test not being the father will vary depending on the circumstances, the individual and the legal process. Below are some points to consider in such cases.
1. Emotional impact
If a DNA test reveals that he is not the father, this can be a major psychological and emotional shock for all concerned. In particular, it can have a significant impact on future family relationships and communication with the person they believed to be the father, the mother and even the child.
- Fathers: if you previously believed you were a father, you may feel shocked or betrayed.
- Mothers: the revelation of past circumstances can create mistrust and tension within the family.
- Children: family identity issues may arise if children become aware of this fact.
2. Impact of the law
If the parent-child relationship is denied, legal action may be required.Specifically, the following issues may be considered
a. Child support payments.
- If the father who has been paying child support is not in fact the biological father, his payment obligations may be affected. However, once he is legally recognized as the ‘legal father’, child support payments may continue. In some courts, child support payments may be maintained to protect the interests of the child.
b. Changes to parental or custodial rights
- If the parent-child relationship is negated by DNA testing, parental and custodial rights may be reviewed.If the legal father is biologically different, new legal procedures may be required.
c. Inheritance rights.
- With regard to inheritance, if the parent-child relationship is denied, the child’s right to inherit may be affected. Depending on the law, a child may not be able to inherit if the legal parent-child relationship is denied.
3. Intra-family support
How the whole family deals with this fact is also important. Consideration should be given to getting psychological support and counselling to facilitate communication between family members. The child’s feelings should be respected and careful thought should be given to how this will be communicated and how it will affect the family relationship.
4. Identification of new fathers.
In some cases, after a DNA test has shown that he is not the father, another DNA test may be conducted to identify the new father. In cooperation with the mother and other interested parties, procedures are often put in place to legally establish this new parent-child relationship.
5. Emotional care and support
In these situations, emotional support for all involved is crucial.Access to the support of a psychotherapist or family therapist can help to ease the emotional shock and restore family relationships.
Summary
When a DNA test reveals that the father is not the father, a number of challenges arise, including emotional shock, legal responses and changes in family relationships. In such cases, it is important to get emotional support and legal advice to ensure that everyone involved responds appropriately. It is also important to get accurate advice on legal issues based on local law and case law.
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Supervisor of the article
Dr. Hiroshi Oka
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Medical Doctor
