A Frome company has helped to reform the cost of family court proceedings in England.
DNA Legal provides the most accurate testing in the country. The company was called upon by the Ministry of Justice to provide results for a regional trial designed to check the impact of DNA tests on divorce cases.
Testing began in Bristol, Gloucester and Taunton in June last year, which proved successful in reducing the length and cost of family court proceedings.
The accuracy of DNA test results involved in each meant more confidence in the decisions made about children and, that parents were more likely to follow the courts’ orders.
The success of these trials has resulted in a significant change to family court proceedings in England. From September this year, DNA tests will be available for all judges in family cases, to determine a child’s parentage.
David Nicholson, director of DNA Legal, based in Commerce Park explained, “The results of a DNA test can significantly reduce the length of court battles for families, in providing conclusive and non disputable evidence.
“This announcement is good news for families. Previously, the added cost of DNA testing within court proceedings provided a barrier for many – and delay in reaching a verdict. The introduction of this as a more standard procedure within family court cases represents a great deal of progression. Put simply, DNA testing offers families a point of truth.
”There may be genuine reasons behind family disputes over paternity, but without a conclusive test in court proceedings, high running emotions from those involved often lead to upsetting and costly legal cases.
“Our DNA testing service is completely secure, accurate and fast – meaning we’re used by and trusted by thousands of solicitors across the UK.”
The regional pilots were funded by the Ministry of Justice and administered by the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service and Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service. The administration of the testing process was supported by a third party, Oxfordshire Family Mediation. The tests were conducted by DNA Legal.
