‘If you feel your child doesn’t look like you’

DNA testing is a very effective means of confirming parent-child relationships when a person feels that their child does not look like them. The fact that a parent and child do not look alike does not necessarily mean that there is no parent-child relationship, but DNA testing is often the method of choice when a person wants to resolve doubts or gain certainty.

1. How DNA testing works

DNA testing is a scientific method of proving whether a parent-child relationship exists by comparing the DNA information inherited from parents to their children.The results of the test are highly accurate: if a parent-child relationship exists, the relationship is confirmed with an accuracy of 99.9% or better; if there is no relationship, it is reported as 0%.

2. Why children do not resemble their parents

Genetic complexity: external features (e.g. facial features, hair color) are influenced not only by the genes of the parents, but also by the genes of the grandparents and other family members. It is therefore possible for a child to differ in appearance from both parents, but this does not negate the parent-child relationship.
Gene combinations: children inherit 50% of their genes from each parent, but depending on the combination of genes they inherit, they may not look much like either parent.

3. The DNA testing process

Specimen collection: usually a swab of cells from the oral cavity (inside the cheek).This is a simple, painless procedure and results are available within a few weeks after sending to a laboratory.
Reporting of results: results are reported with an accuracy of at least 99.9% if a parent-child relationship exists, and 0% if not.

4.Costs and implementation methods

DNA testing can be carried out for around JPY 100,000 for private purposes, and may cost around JPY 200,000 if legal evidence is required. The appraisal can be carried out by a laboratory or you can collect a sample at home using a special ‘DNA analysis kit’.

5. Points for attention

Just because a parent and child do not look alike does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with the parent-child relationship; DNA testing provides scientific evidence, but the results can have psychological consequences, so counselling is recommended if necessary.

Summary

If you have doubts about the parent-child relationship because your child does not look like you, a DNA test can confirm the parent-child relationship in a scientifically reliable way. It is important to consult a specialized agency if necessary, as differences in appearance or appearance do not negate the parent-child relationship.