DNA tests to determine parentage can be ordered by judges in England, the Justice Minister has announced.
Judges in family courts will be able to order DNA tests from September, Justice Minister Simon Hughes has said. The news comes after two pilot schemes in Bristol and Taunton found that tests improved judges’ confidence in making the right decision as well as the chances of parents following the court’s orders.
Funding for the initiative will come from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, offering a total of between £500,000 and £1 million a year for the tests.
Hughes explained: “I am determined that all cases involving children should be resolved quickly and wherever possible outside court. However when they do come to court they should be resolved in a civilised way so that children don’t suffer.
“Unambiguous and conclusive DNA tests will prove parentage and help to end acrimonious and embarrassing court battles.”
The pilot schemes were launched as a result of anecdotal evidence that arguments in the court concerning a child’s parentage were causing delays in divorce proceedings. Up until 2013 legal aid was available for DNA tests, however government cuts meant that this then came out of the parents’ pockets, which many could not afford.