Can I test the child without the mother knowing?

Identigene requires a legal guardian to sign for each child in the paternity test.  Usually, this is someone (father or mother) listed on the child’s birth certificate, but it could also be a grandparent or other caregiver who is the child’s legal guardian.

This means that a potential father who does NOT have legal custody of a child must get permission from the mother (or other legal guardian) before we can begin the paternity test.

Why?

Paternity questions can be difficult and embarrassing to ask; that’s because they often go hand in hand with questions of fidelity or faithfulness. No one likes to be called unfaithful, and most don’t like to accuse.  There are many reasons a man may want to test a child without talking to the child’s mother first, but those looking into paternity testing know how big of an impact the answer they receive will have on their life – and a child’s legal guardian, father, mother, or other caregiver, should have a say in that decision.

We know that paternity test answers can be life changing ones, whatever the result. On the phone every day, we provide answers to mothers and potential fathers; some that they expect, some unexpected.  Each result impacts the lives of children being tested.  That’s why we often have to tell potential fathers they will need to talk to the mother and get her permission.  Even when a father shares custody with the mother, we still recommend involving the mother in the test; she can be included for free and her participation strengthens paternity test results while helping everyone involved make the best decision for the child.

“Honey, I want a paternity test.” That’s a tough phrase to utter, and even a difficult one to hear.  But, when it comes to paternity testing, we believe honesty really is the best policy.  And when it comes to testing children, the consent of their legal guardian must come first.