An alleged father’s genetic material compared with that of a child’s genetic material found in DNA samples is used to prove biological parentage. Paternity test results may be required in courts to settle legal matters like custody or child support. The biological mother’s DNA sample is also taken, improving the statistical result of the paternity test.
If you are getting a paternity test done for legal matters, it is necessary to do it in the right way and at the right place, with all the necessary consents and people present.
Here is a short guide that can help you understand paternity tests and how to get them done in legal matters relating to child support.
Difference Between Legal and Illegal Paternity Tests
The main difference between these two types of tests is that legal paternity must be administered by a professional, while an illegal paternity test can be done at home using a self-collection sample kit. Only legal paternity test results will be admissible in court.
Some states allow you to self-test at home, as long as a third party is present to observe the collection and transport of your DNA sample. But make sure you check your state’s legal requirements before doing so.
Persons who may request a paternity test.
Depending on the purpose of determining paternity, there are multiple persons who can request a paternity test. These include a prosecuting attorney, a divorce lawyer, a child’s legal guardian, a government social worker, a legal parent, the representative of a minor child, or an alleged father or mother.
There is a general rule though, that the person requesting a paternity test has to prove a potential relationship between the child and an alleged parent.
The legalities vary from case to case and depend on the state.
Paternity Tests for Child Support Cases
In legal cases relating to child support, paternity tests help to determine biological parentage, ensure fair treatment of all family members involved, and appropriate share of responsibility.
There are multiple steps involved in a paternity test. Make sure that you get them right so that your test results are legally valid.
Steps Involved In A Legal Paternity Test
- Sample collection. DNA samples are collected by a professional, from the child and alleged parents through a blood sample or a cheek swab, in a lab or hospital.
- Sample transportation. The process of sample transportation (performed by a third party) is called a ‘chain of custody’ and is very important in court.
- Sample testing. Ensure that the sample is tested in a lab recognized as acceptable by the court.
- Submission of results to the court. The lab may send the results directly to the court, to you, or to both parties together. Having the results sent directly to the court is recommended.
UrgentWay offers low-cost DNA Testing in New York City that is court-admissible. Schedule online or call (877) 276-9006. Legal paternity tests help determine biologically related people.
