Alain Delon can refuse the paternity test but this refusal can be interpreted by the judge as proof of paternity. (illustration) (Jarmoluk / Pixabay)
The daughter of Ari Boulogne, who claimed to be the son of Alain Delon, is requesting DNA expertise from the Swiss courts to find out if the famous actor is indeed her “grandfather”. Can the icon of French cinema refuse? Here is what the law says.
Ari Boulogne’s daughter recently asked the courts for a DNA test to find out if Alain Delon is indeed her biological grandfather. Can the famous French actor refuse? Paternity tests are very legally regulated acts in France or Switzerland, the country where the 16-year-old teenager initiated legal proceedings. Here is what the law says.
Paternity test: a strict legal framework
First of all, in France, a paternity test can only be carried out within a legal framework. You must first go to court to establish or contest a parentage relationship. The assistance of a lawyer is mandatory. It is then possible to request a DNA test to be carried out. This paternity test is ordered by the judge, specifies the Ministry of Justice.
“You do not have to gather proof or evidence of paternity to obtain the test”
it is indicated.
Please note, the judge can refuse the request, but only for a legitimate reason. It is also necessary to obtain the person’s consent. In the event of a post-mortem expertise, it must have been obtained during one’s lifetime.
Up to one year in prison for illegal testing
Alain Delon can therefore theoretically refuse to submit to this test. But this refusal can be interpreted by the judge
“as proof of paternity”
, indicates the ministry. Without a test, the judge’s decision must then be based on the other elements present in the file.
The Ministry of Justice also specifies that it is prohibited to carry out a paternity test
“in a private setting, for example, on the internet or abroad”
. This action is illegal and is punishable by one year’s imprisonment or a fine of 15,000 euros.
