Five to seven years ago, paternity fraud in Nigeria and how to legally determine the paternity of a child was arguably a conservative topic. Paternity fraud occurs when a man is incorrectly identified as the biological father of a child. It can be done deliberately or otherwise. It is also known as misattributed paternity or paternal discrepancy.
Rate of Paternity Fraud in Nigeria?
Paternity fraud has been an infamous threat to many supposedly happy marriages and families as a unit of our society lately. The most common causes include infidelity, dysfunctional family values, troubled unions, lack of truth, office romance, poverty and trust issues among couples, and many more avoidable factors.
How To Legally Determine Paternity Of A Child?
The singular most effective way to determine the paternity of a child is through a DNA test. DNA Paternity tests at Lynx DNA Laboratory have an accuracy of almost 100% and can be done as a peace of mind test or legal test.
Paternity DNA tests can be done by collecting cheek cell samples from the buccal cavity of both the child and the claimed father. However, prenatal paternity DNA also exists to check the DNA of a foetus during pregnancy.
Paternity Courts In Nigeria
In case you are in doubt or situations around the paternity of any of your children put you in a tight corner, please do not take laws into your hands. We advise that you either take peace of mind DNA test to clear your doubts or approach a competent law court to address the issues.
These are competent law courts recognized by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for resolving conflicts regarding paternity:
Customary Court (Marriage Divorce And Appeal
The customary courts in Nigeria are the cheapest form of resolving disputes for the common man. It is headed by the president of the customary court of appeal. That is, any person appointed a justice of the peace by the governor of the state.
They operate using customary laws. According to the definition by The Supreme Court of Nigeria, customary law refers to the rules of conduct applying to persons and things in a locality. They are the lowest courts in the Nigerian court system.
Magistrate Court (Civil and Criminal Hearings)
All cases start at the Magistrate Court and a verdict of guilty or not guilty is decided by the district judge preceding the case. The district judge is called a magistrate who has civil and criminal jurisdiction. Magistrates have sentencing powers to impose a range of sentences, including fines, bans, community orders, and up to twelve months of custody, depending on the offense.
Family Court (Designated Court)
The family court was established pursuant to Section 149 of the Child’s Right Act, 2003. It is a special court designed to protect children and deal with all legal problems where children are involved. The major goal of the Family Court is to settle legal problems that occur in families.
Hence, child custody, cases of paternity fraud, etc can be handled by the family court. The Family Court functions as a division of the High Court at the High Court level and as a Magistrate Court at the Magistrate level.
Above all, paternity disputes are a very sensitive issue in the family. And considering the impact that the sanctity of marriage has on society at large, concerned parties should tread with caution while giving due consideration to the mental health of the child or children in dispute.
While DNA paternity tests provide the most viable solution, utmost maturity is required of both parents to get the most progressive resolution.
We also offer you free post and post-counseling. You can reach us on;
Call: +2349010001992 or +2349010001990
Website: www.lynxlaboratories.com.ng
Email: – info@lynxlaboratories.com.ng
Office Address – 9B, James oluleye Crescent, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
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