Blog

Non-invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing: what solicitors, social workers and local authorities need to know

Questions about biological paternity arise regularly in family law proceedings, child welfare assessments, and cases managed by local authorities. In these situations, establishing paternity accurately and as early as possible can be critical, influencing decisions around parental responsibility, contact arrangements, financial support, and the long-term welfare of the child. Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) testing provides […]

Festival season and drug use: what you need to know

Every summer, thousands of people across Ireland head to fields, parks, and arenas to take part in one of the country’s most beloved summer traditions: the music festival. For many attendees, festivals are a positive, memorable experience. But alongside the music and the shared sense of occasion, festival season also brings a well-documented rise in […]

Do I need a legal paternity test? Everything you need to know

Questions about paternity arise for many different reasons, from seeking answers purely for peace of mind, to confirming the biological father of a child for practical and legal purposes. In circumstances where paternity needs to be determined for official matters, such as changing a birth certificate, for immigration applications, or disputes over parental responsibility, a […]

4 reasons people take a DNA test (and what they actually find out)

DNA testing used to feel like something you only saw on the news or in crime dramas. Now, thousands of people across Ireland take a DNA test every year for all kinds of reasons. Some want answers, some want closure – some are simply curious. Here, we look at four of the most common reasons […]

Twins with different fathers: the science behind heteropaternal superfecundation

Most people assume that twins – whether identical or non-identical – share the same biological father. And in most cases, that assumption is correct. But not always. A recent documentary on BBC Radio 4 in the UK shattered this idea in the most remarkable way with the story of Michelle and Lavinia, non-identical twins who […]

Alcohol misuse in Ireland: What the latest evidence means for family proceedings

Alcohol misuse remains a persistent and growing concern across Ireland. According to the Health Research Board (HRB), an average of four people die every day in Ireland as a result of alcohol use, with alcohol-related hospitalisations remaining consistently high. Furthermore, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, cites addiction among the key pressures driving demand on […]

Complex DNA relationship testing: who needs it and which test is right for you?

When most people think about DNA relationship testing, paternity testing is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But what happens when the person you need to test is unavailable, or when the question isn’t about a parent and child at all, but other biological relationships with extended family? This is where complex DNA […]

Toothbrush and nail DNA testing: benefits, uses and how they work

When most people think about DNA testing, the image that comes to mind is of a simple cheek swab, a soft cotton bud, rubbed gently on the inside of the cheek to collect a DNA sample. It’s quick, painless, and highly effective. But what happens when collecting a cheek swab simply isn’t possible? Whether you […]

Drug & Alcohol Testing options: A free and practical guide for family law professionals

Drug and alcohol misuse is a common feature in family court proceedings, with implications for safeguarding, contact, and parenting capacity. Laboratory testing can provide vital evidence, but only when the right method is selected. Different tests detect different substances over different timeframes. A test that’s too specific, too broad, or poorly matched to the case […]