Written question asked by Andrew Selous (Conservative) on Thursday, 30 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether non-resident parents are required to pay child support when paternity is in dispute; and whether the non-resident parent pays the cost of testing to establish paternity, in the first instance.

Answer: Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether non-resident parents are required to pay child support when paternity is in dispute; and whether the non-resident parent pays the cost of testing to establish paternity, in the first instance. [135993] Mr. Pond: If parentage is disputed at the outset, in certain circumstances the Child Support Agency can make a presumption of parentage and proceed to enforce a maintenance calculation. Parentage can be presumed where, for example, the alleged father was married to the mother at the time of the child's conception or birth, or where an alleged parent refuses to take a DNA test. If parentage is questioned after a calculation has been made, the calculation will remain in force. If the alleged non-resident parent turns out not to be the parent of the child the agency makes a full refund of maintenance. The agency can offer access to DNA tests at a discounted rate. The alleged non-resident parent pays for the test but if they are found not to be the parent of the child the fee is refunded. Where the alleged non- resident parent is unable or unwilling to pay for the test the agency may, in some cases, pay for it in advance. However if the test is positive, the full non-discounted fee will be charged.

Secondary information