Can I be forced to give a DNA sample in a paternity dispute?

Courts have the power to direct a DNA test in appropriate cases where paternity is genuinely in dispute and relevant to deciding the matter (such as a maintenance or inheritance dispute), but this isn't treated as an automatic, unconditional direction — courts weigh this against considerations of personal liberty and privacy, and generally require the party seeking it to establish a strong prima facie case justifying the test.

If you refuse to comply with a court's direction to undergo a DNA test without valid justification, the court can, in many cases, draw an adverse inference against you on the paternity question, effectively treating your refusal as supporting the other side's claim, even though you can't typically be physically forced to give the sample.

Given the significant, sensitive stakes typically involved in paternity disputes — including their effect on maintenance and inheritance rights — it would be important to consult a family lawyer to understand the specific implications of complying or refusing in your particular case, and to ensure your position is properly represented before the court.