Man discovers children are not his through DNA test: cheating ex-wife must pay hefty compensation
22
World
October 11, 2024 13:00
antwerp - The Antwerp Court of Appeal ruled that a deceived husband is entitled to a compensation of 23,650 euros from his ex-wife after DNA test revealed he is not the biological father of their children.
In a remarkable ruling, the family chamber of the Antwerp Court of Appeal decided that a deceived husband is entitled to a compensation of 23,650 euros from his ex-wife.
The couple got married in 2007, had two children in 2009 and 2010, but got divorced in 2014. In early 2019, the husband discovered his wife's infidelity, leading him to doubt his biological paternity in April 2021.
After a judicial DNA test confirmed he is not the biological father, he stopped complying with the co-parenting agreement.
Initially, the Limburg Family Court ruled that the man was not the legal father but denied his claim for repayment or compensation, stating there was no evidence linking the wife's actions to the damages.
The Antwerp Court of Appeal, however, ruled in favor of the husband, citing a breach of fidelity obligation and negligence on the part of the mother in not informing him about her doubts regarding his paternity.
The man was awarded a compensation of 23,650 euros for material and moral damages, including 5,000 euros for each child.