Legal Definitions - human-leukocyte antigen test

The human-leukocyte antigen test, commonly known as the HLA test, is a medical procedure used in legal contexts, primarily to establish biological relationships, most often paternity. This test involves analyzing specific genetic markers, called human-leukocyte antigens, found in a person's blood. By comparing these unique markers between an alleged father and a child, the test can provide highly accurate evidence to confirm or rule out a biological father-child relationship.

Here are some situations where an HLA test might be applied:

• Example 1: Child Support Proceedings

  A mother files a lawsuit seeking financial support for her child from a man she identifies as the father. The man disputes paternity and requests that the court order an HLA test. The results of this test would then serve as crucial evidence to either confirm or refute his biological fatherhood, directly influencing the court's decision regarding his legal obligation to provide child support.

• Example 2: Inheritance Dispute

  After a wealthy individual passes away without a will, a young adult comes forward claiming to be the deceased's previously unacknowledged child, seeking to inherit a portion of the estate. Other family members challenge this claim, asserting the individual is not a biological heir. To resolve the dispute, the court orders an HLA test, comparing the claimant's genetic markers with available samples from the deceased (if possible) or close relatives to establish biological legitimacy and determine inheritance rights.

• Example 3: Amending a Birth Certificate

  Years after a child's birth, the mother and a different man petition the court to amend the child's birth certificate to name the second man as the biological father, asserting that the man originally listed is not the true father. To legally change the official record of paternity, the court requires an HLA test to provide scientific evidence of the biological relationship between the child and the man seeking to be recognized as the father.