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.
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.