In contexts such as ‘divorce where the DNA test came back clean (innocent)’, it is usually the case that the DNA test relates to the parent-child relationship or allegations of adultery. The following sections provide more information on divorce cases involving DNA testing.

1. DNA testing and confirmation of parent-child relationship

DNA testing in divorce occurs, particularly when it relates to confirming parent-child relationships or suspicions of infidelity.

Confirmation of parent-child relationship.

If a couple suspects that a child is the biological child of the husband, a DNA test may be conducted to confirm paternity.Under Japanese law, if a child is born during marriage, the child is usually treated as the husband’s biological child.However, if the husband suspects that the child may not be his, a DNA test can be used to confirm paternity.

In the case of Shiloh: If the results of the test show that the child is the biological child (i.e. ‘Shiloh’) of the one the husband suspected, his legal responsibility as a father is established.In this case, whether or not the divorce proceeds will depend on other issues between the couple, but at least the parent-child relationship will be cleared, which will result in child support and other responsibilities.
Black case: on the other hand, if the test results show that the child is not the husband’s biological child, this can be a great shock to the husband and can be cited as grounds for divorce.

2. Allegations of adultery and DNA testing

DNA testing can play an important role when allegations of adultery are grounds for divorce, particularly when the wife is pregnant.If a husband has doubts about his wife’s pregnancy, he may request a DNA test to ascertain whether the child is his.

In Shiloh: If the wife was suspected of adultery, but the DNA test results show that the child she is carrying is her husband’s child, this will prove that she was not having an affair and the suspicion will be resolved.In this case, the husband’s suspicions of adultery may be proven to have been a misunderstanding and the marriage may be restored.
If Black: Conversely, if a DNA test proves that the child is not the husband’s, this is likely to be a direct cause for divorce. It is grounds for the husband to seek divorce on the grounds of adultery.

3. Legal implications of DNA testing

The results of a DNA test are very important evidence in trials and mediations in family courts.In particular, the results of a DNA test can have a direct impact on legal decisions in matters relating to the confirmation of parent-child relationships and adultery.

Child support issues: if the parent-child relationship is established, the husband is obliged to pay child support. Conversely, if it is established that there is no parent-child relationship, there is no obligation to pay child support.
Alimony issues: if adultery is proven, the husband or wife can claim alimony against the other party; DNA testing is an important piece of evidence to prove whether adultery has taken place.

4. Emotional and psychological effects

Divorce issues involving DNA testing are emotionally very sensitive. The results of the test can dramatically change a couple’s relationship, and even if the results are ‘clean’, divorce may result if trust between the couple has been damaged.

When it is difficult to restore trust even if the suspicion is resolved: for example, even if a DNA test proves that the child is the husband’s biological child, the suspicion itself can undermine trust between the couple and lead to divorce in some cases.
Impact on children: confirming the parent-child relationship or revealing allegations of infidelity through DNA testing can have an impact on children. Careful handling is necessary, taking into account the impact on the child’s future.

Summary

In the situation of ‘divorce where the DNA test came back clean’, the central issue is the alleged marital infidelity and the confirmation of the parent-child relationship. If the analysis turns out to be ‘clean’, the marital problems may be resolved, but if there is a breakdown of trust, the divorce may still result in a divorce. DNA testing is also legally important evidence and should be handled carefully, as it directly affects the parent-child relationship, child support and alimony payments.

医師監修監修日：2024年9月23日

岡博史（おかひろし）

医師・医学博士／ヒロクリニック統括院長

YouTubeチャンネルなどを通じて、遺伝子やNIPT（新型出生前診断）についてわかりやすく発信しています。

略歴

1996年慶應義塾大学医学部卒業
2004年慶應義塾大学医学博士号取得
2005年慶應義塾大学皮膚科学教室助手
2008年ヒロ皮フ形成クリニック開業
2009年医療法人社団福美会理事長
2015年医療法人社団福美会理事

資格・所属

CAPラボディレクター
日本皮膚科学会皮膚科専門医
日本医師会産業医
東京衛生検査所指導監督医

発信・関連リンク

この記事は、ヒロクリニックNIPPTの編集・監修体制にもとづき、資格を持つ医師が内容を確認しています。

医師監修監修日：2024年9月23日

堤修一（つつみしゅういち）

医師・医学博士／ヒロクリニック博多駅前院院長

略歴

1993年東京大学医学部医学科卒業
2016〜2019年東京大学先端科学技術研究センター准教授

発信・関連リンク

プロフィール詳細

この記事は、ヒロクリニックNIPPTの編集・監修体制にもとづき、資格を持つ医師が内容を確認しています。

参考文献

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Gill P, Jeffreys AJ, Werrett DJ. Forensic application of DNA 'fingerprints'. Nature. 1985 Dec 12;318(6046):577-9.
Connors E, Lundregan T, Miller N, McEwen T. Convicted by juries, exonerated by science: Case studies in the use of DNA evidence to establish innocence after trial. Washington (DC): National Institute of Justice (US); 1996.
Garrett BL. Judging Innocence. Columbia Law Review. 2008 Jan;108(1):55-142.