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Paternity testing can take place if the father is dead. In fact, there are many options in terms of the types of tests you can do and the samples you can use.  The first thing to do is to contact a reputable DNA testing company and seek advise, as there are various types of relationship testing that you can opt for.  A professional Genetic Consultant would assist you in looking for the perfect solution.

Ways to do a Paternity test if the father is deceased

When the alleged father is deceased, or not available for testing, you can easily proceed with one of the various relationship DNA tests available.  You might consider contacting relatives who might be willing to assist.  One of the two more popular tests are the Chromosome tests (Y Chromosome and the X Chromosome), Avuncular test, Sibling and then the Grandparent test.

Y and X Chromosome testing

Depending on your particular situation, you might be able to carry out either a Y Chromosome or an X Chromosome test to help determine paternity when the father is deceased or not available.  Chromosomes are passed on to children from their parents, generation after generation.  In fact boys have a Y and an X Chromosome, while girls have two X Chromosomes.  Boys get 1 X Chromosome from their mother and the Y Chromosome from their father.  Girls get 1 X Chromosome from the mother and the other X Chromosome from their father.  It is possible to determine relationships, even paternity, using these chromosomes, to determine if they match or not.  This is very useful in carrying out a paternity test if the father is deceased.

Testing with a full sibling to the deceased father Uncle or Aunt?

If the deceased father has a full sibling, either male or female, it is possible to determine paternity with the assistance of the uncle or aunt.  Siblings DNA is very similar and running a statistical analysis of these profiles we are able to conclude whether a biological relationship exists.  Confirming this relationship will also confirm paternity when father is deceased.

Testing with paternal grandparents

If both paternal Grandparents are available, it is possible to determine paternity when father is deceased.  By comparing the child’s DNA fingerprint with the profiles of both paternal Grandparents scientists are able to determine if the child originated from any possible child of the paternal grandparents.   In most cases this test is able to provide an extremely accurate result and assist in answering the question of paternity accurately when father is deceased.

Testing between siblings

In many cases, where siblings are involved, there might only be doubts related to one particular child.  It is possible to determine paternity by comparing the DNA with another sibling, male or female, of whom the paternity is certain to be of the deceased father.  A sibling test will give a probability on whether the children share one or two parents in common.  It is always important to be certain that they already share one, usually the mother, or none at all.  In most cases, where available we always suggest to add the sample of the common mother, or known mothers, in order to obtain a more accurate outcome.  This test is very popular even in cases where there is a question of paternity when father is deceased or not available for sample collection.