Delaware Code Title 13 Sec. 8-608 – Authority to deny motion for genetic testing
(a) In a proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child having a presumed father or to challenge the paternity of a child having an acknowledged father, the court may deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing of the mother, the child and the presumed or acknowledged father if the court determines that:
(1) The conduct of the mother or the presumed or acknowledged father estops that party from denying parentage; and
(2) It would be inequitable to disprove the father-child relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father.
Terms Used In Delaware Code Title 13 Sec. 8-608
- Child: means a person who has not reached the age of 18 years. See Delaware Code Title 1 Sec. 302
- Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
(b) In determining whether to deny or to grant a motion seeking an order for genetic testing under this section, the court shall consider the best interest of the child, including the following factors:
(1) The length of time between the proceeding to adjudicate parentage and the time that the presumed or acknowledged father was placed on notice that he might not be the genetic father;
(2) The length of time during which the presumed or acknowledged father has assumed the role of father of the child;
(3) The facts surrounding the presumed or acknowledged father’s discovery of his possible nonpaternity;
(4) The nature of the relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father;
(5) The age of the child;
(6) The harm that may result to the child if presumed or acknowledged paternity is successfully disproved;
(7) The nature of the relationship between the child and any alleged father;
(8) The extent to which the passage of time reduces the chances of establishing the paternity of another man and a child-support obligation in favor of the child;
(9) Other factors that may affect the equities arising from the disruption of the father-child relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father or the chance of other harm to the child; and
(10) Whether the child has a medical condition for which an accurate family history is necessary.
(c) In a proceeding involving the application of this section, a minor or incapacitated child must be represented by a guardian ad litem.
(d) Denial of a motion seeking an order for genetic testing must be based on clear and convincing evidence.
(e) If the court denies a motion seeking an order for genetic testing, it shall issue an order adjudicating the presumed or acknowledged father to be the father of the child.
74 Del. Laws, c. 136, § ?1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § ?1; 77 Del. Laws, c. 456, §§ ?3, 6;