What would you do if you realized a child you have been raising is not your biological child and it was confirmed with paternity testing? But then you were still ordered to pay child support? A paternity test can verify if there is a biological relationship between a father and child. Many times even after the paternity test results are released, men who are excluded are required to continue supporting the child financially. Many states in the U.S. indicate this is in the best interest of the child.
One man’s paternity test story
James MacLetchie of the U.K tells his story about his fight against the system when a paternity test was denied by the mother, yet he could still prove that he could not be the child’s biological father. He had medical evidence that he was not able to father a child.
Mr. MacLetchie dated the child’s mother for awhile, and when she became pregnant, even though he knew he could not be the father, he put his name on the birth certificate. Why he did this is unknown. When the couple split, the CSA (Child Support Agency) went after him for 15 years to pay child support. The mother refused to allow a paternity test and maintained Mr. MacLetchie was her child’s father. Even without paternity testing he could still prove otherwise, but the information fell on deaf ears.
Mother denies paternity testing
Throughout the ordeal, Mr. MacLetchie lost his home, had his drivers license taken away, and threatened to be taken to jail. All of this has left him broke. Mr. MacLetchie says in one interview: “If a presumed father refuses to take a DNA test, the CSA concludes he is the father and forces him to pay maintenance. Should the same law not apply in reverse if the mother refuses to take a DNA test-shouldn’t the CSA conclude her claim is false without the father having to go through the expense and trauma or court action?’
Mr. MacLetchie wants to see changes made with the CSA after the drama they put him through for 15 years, and after taking 40% of his earnings. It’s only now that the CSA will allow the evidence to be seen that proves he is not the biological father-now that the child is an adult. Mr. MacLetchie wants to change the law that a paternity test can be done even without the Mother’s permission in the U.K.
What do you think?
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