DNA Testing for Child Support

Child support DNA testing occurs when unmarried parents question whether the biological father is related to the child. Performing a paternity test helps determine child support responsibilities. A paternity test is conducted only after a paternity action (paternity petition) is filed by the alleged father, mother, or the child’s legal guardian.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, there are over 12.9 million child support cases in the U.S. each year. More than half of these cases result in payments received by the custodial parent. Performing a paternity test requires adherence to your state’s protocol on filing a paternity petition.

Below we breakdown how court order may be filed to determine paternity using a paternity test.

How to Get a Court-Ordered Paternity Test in the U.S.

To initiate a court-ordered paternity test in the United States:

1. The mother, legal guardian, or alleged father files a paternity petition with the family court in your jurisdiction.
2. In some states, Child Services (Local Child Support Agency) can assist with filing the petition.
3. After the court accepts the petition, it may order a paternity test.
4. The court will send a notice to all parties to appear for a hearing.
5. At the hearing, the judge may order a paternity test to legally confirm the child’s biological father.

How to Request a DNA Test for Child Support

DNA testing for child support purposes can be conducted in two ways:

1. Through Family Court

This option applies when the alleged father and mother do not agree on paternity. A paternity petition must be filed and accepted by the court before DNA testing will be ordered.

2. Before Filing a Petition

This option is available when both the alleged father and mother agree to perform a legal paternity test with an independent DNA testing company like Secure DNA Tests. Results can be submitted directly to Family Court either by the testing company or by the individuals involved, as determined by the judge.

Important Note: All legal DNA testing options we provide are processed and analyzed by partner AABB-accredited DNA testing laboratories. This accreditation ensures your results will be accepted by the court.

Where can I perform a legal paternity test?

Call 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment in a city near your home. Below is a list of states in which we service.

Can Home Paternity Test Results Be Used for Child Support?

No. Home paternity test results do not meet the legal chain-of-custody standards required for evidence submission in child support cases.

Need paternity test results for a child support case? Schedule a legal paternity test appointment today by calling 888-970-4211 to get started.

Who Pays for a Paternity Test in a Child Support Case?

Payment responsibility for paternity testing in child support cases depends on your specific situation:

Family Court (The State)

The judge may order paternity testing to be performed under court supervision. In some cases, the state may pay for the test initially, or the state may require reimbursement after the DNA test is completed.

Out-of-Pocket Payment

For genetic testing performed independently, the participants must decide between themselves how the expense will be paid.

Is a Paternity Test Required for Child Support?

Paternity testing is not required for all child support cases. Testing is typically ordered only when paternity needs to be legally established.

How Long Does a Court-Ordered DNA Test Take?

The turnaround times for genetic testing results performed through the court system varies by jurisdiction, but typically range from 4-8 weeks or longer depend on the courts work load.

What Happens After a DNA Test for Child Support?

When a DNA test confirms the alleged father is the biological father of the child, the judge will determine the financial responsibilities of both parents for child support. The father’s name will be added to the child’s birth certificate

In cases where DNA results are negative, the judge may dismiss the paternity case.

How to petition the Court for a DNA Test?

Paternity testing through the court can only occur when an unmarried parent files a paternity petition with Family Court in the state where the child was born. The petition has to be accepted by the court before a paternity test is requested by the judge.

In the event your petition is not accepted, you will not be able to have a DNA test ordered by the court. DNA testing in this situation will typically occur when both the mother and alleged father agree to perform a DNA test privately.y.