LEGAL PATERNITY TESTING

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal vs Non-legal Home DNA Test Kits: What is the difference?

The difference between legal and non legal tests is the use of your DNA results.

Legal Paternity Test results are legally admissible and recognized by immigration agencies and family courts nationwide.

• All samples will be tested and processed by our partner AABB accredited laboratory.
• Third-party DNA sample collections are required.
• Cost of legal paternity tests are more expensive than non-legal DNA tests.

Non-legal DNA Tests are for informational purposes only and do not require the chain of custody or third party DNA sample collection.

• DNA samples are tested the same as a legal DNA paternity test.
• More cost-effective
• DNA samples can be self-collected in the comfort of your home or in-office.
• Results cannot be used for any legal reason.

How will my DNA sample be collected?

The method used to collect your DNA samples is by sterilized cheek swabs. Each swab is placed inside the mouth and brushed against the cheeks on both sides for 30 seconds per person. This non-invasive method is comfortable and reliable for all ages.

Blood is a viable sample collection method that has the same accuracy but is painful and invasive.

How long does a legal paternity test take?

Results are available within 2 to 3 business days from date the lab receives all DNA specimens. After analysis, a copy of your results will be emailed, and another will be mailed to your home.

For immigration cases, the lab is responsible for mailing a copy of your results to the requesting immigration agency or U.S. Embassy.

Can My Legal DNA Results Be Used to Establish Paternity?

Yes. Legal paternity test results can be used as evidence to establish paternity in family court proceedings, child custody cases, child support determinations, and inheritance matters.

What if the alleged father refuses to perform paternity test?

When an alleged father is unavailable to perform a paternity test. A family reconstruction DNA test should be a secondary options. Below are the alternative DNA testing options we provide.

Sibling DNA Test: This requires the testing between the alleged father’s two children

Grandparent DNA Test: Testing between father’s parents with grandchild.

Avuncular Test (Aunt/Uncle): This test can be performed when the alleged father’s sibling (aunt or uncle) with niece or nephew.

Forensic DNA Testing: This testing option can only be used if the forensic sample (hair or bone) is in the possession of the coroner’s office when the alleged father is deceased.

To learn more about our alternative test options call 888-970-4211 today.

Can Legal Paternity Testing Be Done During Pregnancy?

Yes, legal prenatal paternity testing is available through invasive procedures. An invasive prenatal paternity test can be used legally when:

• An OBGYN maintains strict chain of custody for sample collection
• Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is medically recommended
• The mother’s OBGYN recommends CVS or amniocentesis to proceed

Important: Invasive prenatal tests carry risks and cannot be performed as standalone tests. The procedure must be medically indicated by your OBGYN.

How accurate are legal paternity tests?

Testing conducted by our partner accredited laboratory meets the highest industry standards. The 99.99% and higher accuracy to determine the probability of paternity between a father and child.

Legal exclusions when the alleged father is not biologically related to a child is 100% conclusive.

Are my legal DNA test results private?

All DNA specimens and results remain confidential. Specimens are retained for three months before destruction. Results are released only to participants involved in the test. An unrelated third party receives results only with a court order presented to the lab. The lab will notify clients before releasing results. See our privacy policy page here.