Nield-Moir v Freeman [2018] EWHC 299 (Ch) (21 February 2018)

Nield-Moir v Freeman [2018] EWHC 299 (Ch) (21 February 2018)

The High Court possesses inherent jurisdiction to direct a party to provide a saliva sample for DNA testing to resolve parentage in probate proceedings, where such testing is proportionate, minimally invasive, and necessary for the just determination of inheritance rights; refusal may justify adverse inferences.

Citation
[2018] EWHC 299 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant/applicant: Janice Elizabeth Nield-Moir; Defendant/respondent: Lorraine Karen Freeman
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 February 2018
Procedural Posture
Probate/intestacy Dispute / Interlocutory Application
Outcome
Application granted
Legal Topics
Parentage Determination, DNA Testing, Inheritance Rights, Self Dealing, Human Rights
Probate Property Trusts Family Law Parentage Determination DNA Testing Inheritance Rights Self Dealing Human Rights

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Parties

Janice Elizabeth Nield-Moir

Claimant/applicant

Lorraine Karen Freeman

Defendant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Probate/intestacy Dispute / Interlocutory Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the court has jurisdiction to order DNA testing to determine parentage in probate proceedings
  2. 2 Whether such an order infringes Article 8 ECHR rights
  3. 3 Whether the evidence justifies ordering the respondent to submit to DNA testing

Ratio Decidendi

The High Court possesses inherent jurisdiction to direct a party to provide a saliva sample for DNA testing to resolve parentage in probate proceedings, where such testing is proportionate, minimally invasive, and necessary for the just determination of inheritance rights; refusal may justify adverse inferences.

Court Disposition

Application granted

Orders

  • Respondent to provide saliva sample by mouth swab to Dr Syndercombe-Court within 28 days
  • Court may draw adverse inference against respondent at trial if sample not provided