• The Pathology Department performs tests to confirm or exclude paternity of children.

• Most tests are requested by District Courts, District Commissioners, or Child Protection Services.

• Information on paternity cases before the courts can be found here: https://island.is/fedrun-barns/fadernismal-fyrir-domstolum

• The website also provides information on children’s rights to know their origin and how paternity testing is carried out.

Legal Cases (Court Requests):

• Requests must come from District Court or District Commissioner offices before an appointment for sample collection can be made.

• The first step in legal cases is to contact a lawyer, who will coordinate with the relevant authority.

Private Cases (Individuals & Child Protection):

• Requests from individuals or Child Protection Services are considered private cases.

• One responsible person provides names, personal IDs, and contact information for all participants.

• Research in private cases begins only after payment. See the fee schedule.

Important Notes:

• Post-mortem samples require a court order from the District Court for use in paternity testing.

• Providing a sample from the mother improves accuracy of the results.

• All participants must sign a consent form when giving blood or oral swabs.

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or national ID) is required at sample collection.

• Changing a child’s surname requires a court objection case.

Further Information:

• Phone: 543-8061

• Email: fadernismal@landspitali.is