Dino Montepara, from Malherbe, Rigg and Ranwell Attorneys, said that if the father disputes the child’s paternity the courts will order a mandatory paternity test.
“When a paternity test is required, the courts will schedule a date for the family to return to have blood taken by a nurse.”
In the event that the family cannot afford to pay for a private test the State will cover the costs of the tests.
“Should the family prefer to have a private physician perform the tests, they can do so at their own costs,” said Montepara.
He added that in the case where a father wants to prove that he is the father of a child, he can submit a court application to the high court for a paternity test to be performed.