Petition · Department for Work and Pensions

Make paternity tests compulsory before paying child maintenance

Open for signatures 12 signatures

What the petition asks

Legislate to require paternity tests to be taken before a father makes child maintenance payments.
We believe that fathers find themselves in a precarious situation when they are compelled to pay child maintenance for a child whose paternity they are uncertain of. There are also countless mothers who are denied the financial support they deserve for their child because the issue of paternity remains contested.

This can lead to confusion, unfair financial responsibilities, emotional distress for all parties involved, and children missing out on vital support.

Timeline

18 Aug 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 12
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 18 Aug 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 19 Aug 2026.