What is a Court-Ordered Paternity Test?

A court-ordered paternity test is a DNA test mandated by a family court judge. The purpose is to establish the biological paternity of a child.

How to Get a Court-Ordered Paternity Test

To get a court-ordered paternity test, a paternity petition must first be filed with the family court. Only then will a judge consider issuing a court order for the paternity test to be performed.

Can a court ordered DNA test be performed without an attorney?

Yes. An attorney is not needed to file a paternity petition, if accepted by the judge a court order will be issued. Although using an attorney is not required. We recommend that consult with a family law attorney regarding paternity establishment guidelines in your state prior to filing a paternity petition.

Who Pays for a Court-Ordered Paternity Test?

Who pays for a court-ordered paternity test depends on the specific situation:

1. State Involvement: If the state handles the coordination of the DNA test, it may cover the initial testing costs. In such cases, the defendant might be responsible for reimbursing the state.
2. Judicial Order: A judge may order the alleged father or both parents to split the cost of the paternity test. The parties being tested will then choose a DNA testing company that provides legal paternity testing services.

Please note that all legal DNA testing services we offer are tested and analyzed by a partner laboratory accredited by the AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies). This accreditation ensures a strict chain of custody, impartial third-party DNA sample collection, and that your results will be recognized and accepted by family court judges and Department of Child Support Agencies nationwide.

Important Note for New York State Residents

Due to New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines, you must provide one of the following items at the time of your DNA sample collection appointment before it can be scheduled:

1. A Court Order from a judge
2. A prescription referral from a NYS licensed doctor requesting a paternity test
3. A letter from a NYS licensed attorney requesting a DNA test

How Much is a Court-Ordered DNA Test?

Pricing for non-state involvement paternity tests starts at $350.00. The price covers testing only. Sample collection fees are not included. Learn more about our legal DNA paternity test costs here.

Costs for state involvement cases vary by jurisdiction. Consult a family law professional or your local family court to inquire about their fee structure.

How Long Do Court-Ordered Paternity Tests Take?

The turnaround time for court-ordered paternity test results varies depending on who is responsible for the payment of the DNA testing:

State Involvement: When the state is involved, the turnaround time for paternity test results can range from several weeks to a few months. This timeframe is often dictated by the court’s workload and the state’s coordination process. Importantly, results are not automatically sent to your home. Participants in the test must contact the family court in their jurisdiction to inquire about the availability of their results and how to obtain a copy.

Out-of-Pocket (Non-State Involvement): When the parties pay for the test directly, the turnaround time for DNA results is typically 2 to 3 business days from the date the laboratory receives all genetic samples. Upon completion of the DNA analysis, a copy of the results will be mailed to you, and an additional copy will be emailed. If the judge in your case requires a copy of the results directly from the laboratory, this can be arranged for an additional shipping fee.

Can DNA Testing be Performed if Parties Live in Two Different States?

Yes. When there is no state oversight on the coordination and scheduling of a court-ordered DNA test, performing a legal paternity test in different states is more easily coordinated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the process of court-ordered paternity testing involves several important considerations, including the legal requirements, financial responsibilities, and timelines. We hope this information has provided clarity.

For personalized guidance or to schedule an appointment, please contact our experienced DNA consultants at 888-204-0583