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Paternity Testing
We offer the option of legal chain of custody or peace of mind paternity testing.
Test
Contact our office to schedule your home or in office collection by our trained collectors. On the day of your appointment, the collector will arrive with the kit and supplies to collect your specimen.
Collection
We will ship your specimen to the lab and you will get your results within 3-5 business days.
Results
FAQ
Key Features of a Legal Paternity Test:
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Chain of Custody:
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A crucial aspect of a legal paternity test is the "chain of custody" process. This means that the samples are collected, handled, and documented in a way that ensures they are not tampered with and that the identity of each sample is verified. This process makes the results legally binding.
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Certified Collection Process:
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The sample collection (usually cheek swabs) must be done by a trained professional, such as a specimen collector or phlebotomist, who is authorized to perform the procedure. The collector verifies the identities of the individuals being tested (typically through government-issued ID) and ensures that the samples are collected in a secure environment.
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Laboratory Analysis:
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The samples are sent to an accredited laboratory (often one accredited by the AABB) for DNA analysis. The lab compares the child’s DNA with the alleged father’s DNA to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship.
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Legal Documentation:
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The results are compiled into a legal report, which can be used in court for matters such as child custody, child support, inheritance claims, or immigration cases.
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Uses:
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Legal paternity tests are often used in situations where the paternity of a child is disputed or needs to be legally established, such as in divorce cases, custody battles, or for amending a birth certificate.
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The reliability and legal defensibility of the test make it a critical tool in resolving disputes where paternity is questioned.
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Key Features of a Peace of Mind Paternity Test:
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Non-Legal Use:
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The results of a peace of mind paternity test are intended for personal use only and cannot be used in legal proceedings. They are meant to provide answers for individuals who are curious about paternity without the intention of using the results in a court setting.
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Sample Collection:
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The samples (typically cheek swabs) can be collected at home by the individuals involved, rather than needing to be collected by a professional in a controlled environment. This makes the process more convenient and private.
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Laboratory Analysis:
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Despite the informal collection process, the DNA samples are analyzed in the same laboratories that perform legal paternity tests. The analysis is just as accurate, with a very high probability of determining paternity, typically over 99.9%.
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Quick Results:
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Peace of mind paternity tests often provide results quickly, usually within a few days, allowing individuals to gain clarity without a long wait.
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Lower Cost:
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Because the test does not require the strict procedures of a legal test, it is generally less expensive, making it a more affordable option for individuals seeking personal answers.
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When to Use a Peace of Mind Paternity Test:
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Personal Curiosity: When individuals want to know about paternity for personal reasons but do not need the results for legal matters.
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Preliminary Verification: Before proceeding with a legal paternity test, some may choose to first do a peace of mind test to confirm the need for legal action.
Limitations:
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Not Admissible in Court: Since the chain of custody is not maintained, the results cannot be used in legal disputes, such as custody or child support cases.
In summary, a peace of mind paternity test offers an accessible, private, and cost-effective way to determine paternity, providing answers for personal reassurance without the formalities required for legal documentation.
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The cost of a Legal DNA Test starts at $499. This includes the mother, child, and one alleged father.
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Each additional party costs $150 each.
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$65 service fee for mobile collections per location
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Please let us know if the parties to be tested are not at the same location for the DNA collection.
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We provide mobile services to clients located in Northern Virginia or Maryland (Montgomery or Prince George's County). Ask about our in office options if that will better suit your needs in Bethesda, Maryland, or Ashburn, VA.
You can submit a request using the Request a Test Button, or you can call our office directly at (703)261- 4897.