- Purchase a cheap at home DNA paternity test kit online or over the counter. These kits can cost as cheap as $20 to purchase, but there will be additional fees to get the results so be sure to read the fine print! In total, the kit should still cost less than $200 and be 99% accurate or higher.
- Get legal DNA paternity testing done. If you are seeking or subject to a court ordered paternity test, this will be the type of test you will be taking. With a court ordered paternity test, establishing what is called a "chain of custody" is very important during the DNA testing process. What this means is that the test results are tracked and verified at every stage to assure there has been no tampering with the evidence and that the testing is done by an impartial source. These tests are more expensive (usually running between $300-$400) than an at home DNA test, because of the additional steps involved. You will likely have to go to the DNA laboratory itself for the testing to assure the validity of the test in court.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Legal and Home DNA Testing
If you are thinking about taking a paternity test, you have two main options:
Monday, September 21, 2009
Paternity Testing: Basic Information
If you are interested in having a paternity test done, you should know that there are two main forms of paternity testing available: at home paternity tests and legal paternity tests. What is the difference?
With at home paternity tests you will conduct the test in the privacy of your own home and the results will be confidential. Only you and those you care to share the results with will be aware of the paternity outcome. At home paternity tests are a good option for those who would like to check the accuracy of paternity without creating much emotional turmoil. If you are unlikely to take legal action regardless of the paternity outcome, than an at home paternity test is probably the best choice for you.
At home paternity tests are very affordable and can be easily bought online or, in some places, over the counter. You should make sure that the price you are quoted includes not just the kit but also the results - some companies offer a low price upfront for the testing materials but then charge you a lot more later to find out the results.
If you think the outcome of your paternity test may result in a court case (regarding child support or child custody), you may want to instead take a legal paternity test. Legal DNA paternity testing costs a bit more than home DNA tests, since there is much more paperwork involved and the results are certified and witnessed by the laboratory doing the testing.
If you have a court order paternity test in process, it will also be a legal DNA paternity test. The DNA testing results will be notarized and court admissible. Because of the sensitive nature of most court cases involving paternity, it is strongly recommended you consult with a lawyer when seeking a court ordered paternity test.
Whether you end up using a home DNA test or a legal DNA paternity testing process, each will be a highly accurate and reliable source of information about the paternity of a child.
With at home paternity tests you will conduct the test in the privacy of your own home and the results will be confidential. Only you and those you care to share the results with will be aware of the paternity outcome. At home paternity tests are a good option for those who would like to check the accuracy of paternity without creating much emotional turmoil. If you are unlikely to take legal action regardless of the paternity outcome, than an at home paternity test is probably the best choice for you.
At home paternity tests are very affordable and can be easily bought online or, in some places, over the counter. You should make sure that the price you are quoted includes not just the kit but also the results - some companies offer a low price upfront for the testing materials but then charge you a lot more later to find out the results.
If you think the outcome of your paternity test may result in a court case (regarding child support or child custody), you may want to instead take a legal paternity test. Legal DNA paternity testing costs a bit more than home DNA tests, since there is much more paperwork involved and the results are certified and witnessed by the laboratory doing the testing.
If you have a court order paternity test in process, it will also be a legal DNA paternity test. The DNA testing results will be notarized and court admissible. Because of the sensitive nature of most court cases involving paternity, it is strongly recommended you consult with a lawyer when seeking a court ordered paternity test.
Whether you end up using a home DNA test or a legal DNA paternity testing process, each will be a highly accurate and reliable source of information about the paternity of a child.
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