Do I have to pay child maintenance if I am not a child's father?

You are not required to pay child maintenance if you can prove you are not the biological father of the child. If there is a dispute as to paternity, the Child Maintenance Service can request a DNA test to establish parentage. If the DNA test confirms you are not the child’s father, you can apply to the Court for a Declaration of Non-Parentage. A declaration ensures that individuals who are not parents are not held liable for child maintenance or other parental obligations or responsibilities.