Legal paternity DNA testing may be required in various situations. The test may be set up with a lab and results are provided in 3 to 5 business days. The test results are admissible in a court of law and often are used in child custody cases. They may also be used to establish benefits.
How to Start the Process for a Paternity Test
To get tested, you need to schedule an appointment first. You just cannot work in a lab-testing facility. Therefore, the documents and scheduling must be arranged before the testing appointment. You can set up same-day testing Monday through Friday.
How a Legal and Home Test Differ
DNA testing is different from a test for paternity taken at home, as the legal version follows a strict chain of custody. Only trained professionals can collect the samples. THe court-admissible DNA results are notarized as well.
By comparison, a home paternity test is performed at home, with samples delivered to a lab for the results. While you will receive the test results, you cannot use them in a court of law. They are not admissible. In either case, the results are 99.9% accurate. If you want a test while the mother is pregnant you will need to find a product like this AlphaBiolabs prenatal paternity test to help you do this.
When you obtain a legal paternity test, you generally do not need to get a court order. However, there are exceptions to the rule, so it is advisable to check with an attorney before taking the test. You may need an authorization from a lawyer, a prescription from a doctor, or, in some cases, the aforementioned court order. Click here for further details.
Make Sure You Have a Valid Legal ID
A DNA test is admissible in a court of law when it is performed by an independent third-party lab. To complete the test, you need to provide a legally valid form of ID, such as a state I.D. or driver’s license. The technician taking the sample must be AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) accredited.
How Paternity Tests Are Used
Besides child custody or benefits, paternity test results are used in cases to determine child support or when a person wishes to adopt a child or change a child’s name. Changes made to birth certificates may also require paternity testing. People seeking benefits for social security or from the military may also need to get tested.
Receiving the Test Results
Again, after a paternity test is performed, it takes about 3 to 5 business days to get the results. The results for a legal test that is defined as a special relationship test takes about 3 to 8 business days to process. Special relationships tests are tests that are given to siblings, uncles, aunts, or grandparents to prove a child’s family relationship.
Who May Ask for the Results?
Court admissible paternity results are used in all U.S. courts and may also be submitted in international courts. Agencies, such as Social Security, the IRS, and Child Support all may require DNA testing from time to time.
When you are involved in a legal dispute regarding child custody or support, the disagreement often is resolved through paternity testing. Whether you require testing or an ex-spouse or partner needs the test, it must be done legally before a court decision is rendered.
Do You Need DNA Testing?
Are you embroiled in a court battle concerning custody? Maybe you want to know, for sure, if you are the legal parent of a child. If so, the easiest and most expedient answer is to get a DNA test. The test is quick and painless and can support your claims in a court of law.
