As a top paternity testing lab, we often get asked how to do a DNA test secretly, without getting consent from participating parties. There are some situations where wanting to be sneaky about testing really can seem justified:
- If you have a partner that simply refuses to do paternity testing
- If an alleged father is in prison or otherwise unavailable for a test
- If you have a nagging relationship question and no one in your family wants to help find answers
- And so many more!
While we understand and sympathize with your frustration, there are some very strict rules in place for paternity testing such as who must or doesn’t need to know about and/or consent to a test. So can you do a secret test without consent? Here are some scenarios and some facts to go along with them.
‘I don’t want the mother to know I’m doing a DNA test with the child.’
If you are a man seeking paternity answers through a DNA test, you do not need the mother’s permission if you are listed on the birth certificate and are considered the legal father.
If you are not a legal parent or legal guardian of the child and the child is underage, you must get signed consent from the mother or other legal guardian. If the necessary consent isn’t provided up front, then the paternity testing cannot even start until the proper documentation is submitted.
‘My partner won’t test. Can I just send in a hair sample instead of a cheek swab?’
While hair specimens, blood, and even toothbrushes are accepted , paternity testing using DNA samples from these objects still requires consent from all participants. Using special specimens is also much more expensive. There is a $150 non-refundable fee just for determining whether or not the special sample is viable for testing. The quality of the DNA samples collected via cheek swabs and the ease with which the sample can be extracted is one of the factors that keep paternity testing affordable.
‘I’ve asked and asked, but my partner still won’t do a DNA test. Now what?’
You can do paternity testing without the father if he’s not willing to test, as long as the requirement for legal consent for a minor child and other participants is still met. We can test relatives, such as paternal grandparents, the child’s sibling, or even an aunt or uncle and fit the data from the DNA together like a puzzle in order to determine paternity. That being said, to maximize the chances of getting conclusive results, it’s important to have as many 1st degree relatives as possible participate, and the mother should also contribute her DNA. So although getting answers can be achieved this way, the test is much more expensive than a straight paternity test (lab fees start at $299), and there is a possibility of getting inconclusive results.
The Bottom Line about Paternity Testing without Consent
- The responsibility is on the customer who orders the test to ensure that all necessary consents have been obtained.
- Also keep in mind that home paternity testing results are not court-admissible, and so doing one in secret can have no legal benefit
- You can always petition the court and ask that your partner or former partner be compelled to test. A legal test can then be ordered
Complete honesty with a partner or former partner in these types of situations is always a practice we recommend. It’s not an easy subject to talk about, but the peace of mind you get through home paternity testing is worth it!
Learn more about what to do if a partner refuses testing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
George says
I am a 44 year old man and I allegedly have a nineteen year old daughter, her mother still insists that I am the father though I have my doubt about the time we met. She insists that we met and slept together in September but I am sure it was on November and we slept together on December, what makes matters is that the child is a premature. This thing has been torturing me for the past nineteen years. If she really is my child, I want to be part of her life and help her through her education and whatever she may need. We are separated with the mother and she is living with another man. Please help.
So I want to do the tests without her mother(the mother of the child) knowing, because every time when I bring it up, we always end up fighting and I hate fighting with her.
Admin says
Hi, George. Since the child is no longer a minor, you do not the mother’s permission for testing. If the child agrees, then you’ve got the green light for testing. It’s most likely that conclusive results can be obtained without having the mother also contribute her DNA.
tom says
Hey, what if the child did not give consent?
Identigene says
Hi, Tom. Are you talking about an adult child?
Norma says
Yes, if you have both of they hair the father and the daughter will you be able to do a test.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Norma, to do a paternity test with hair requires a sample of at least 10 hairs with the roots. We don’t recommend it.
Oona Larson says
I have a relative that is not from this country. She will be here for a visit in America in two weeks. I don’t believe she is my mothers cousin. Who knows I could be wrong. I can’t ask for a swab sample. Can I take DNA from her napkin when she visits?
Identigene says
Hi, Oona. Cousins do not share enough DNA to produce a conclusive test result, so you’d probably be throwing your money away.
Emily Parks says
can i find out if my dad is my biological father without him knowing?
Identigene says
Hi, Emily. We don’t recommend it.
Carol says
Why? My dad is 95 and twice he has burst out I am not his daughter. It will change nothing about how I relate to him but I have a need to know the truth. I have purchased a home DNA kit and then waiting for the opportunity to be able to take a swab when he is unaware. He has enough anger Dimension who knows what all that he will never allow me to do this with his consent. I plan to follow through on this so I’m interested in your answer why I can’t. He is 95 I am 65.
Identigene says
When someone submits samples for DNA testing,even for non-legal reasons, by filling out the sample envelope, the person acknowledges that they are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the lab and giving permission for the lab to conduct testing. An adult should not do this on behalf of another adult because it is fraud. Some states have laws on the books regarding this, while others don’t. It would be best to be upfront with him about it, since he brought it up in the first place, assuming he’s of sound mind.
Mick says
I had an affair with a married woman and a child was born she atill with her husband and I’m sure he signed the b.c. but i have seen pictures of the boy who is now 19 he has a very strong resemblance to me ,when i asked his mother if he was my child she told me could be but not for sure ,how can I go about finding out in he is my son
Identigene says
Hi, Mick. Since the boy is a legal adult, he can consent to doing a paternity test if he wants to. But you may want to ask yourself if this is something you want to put him through, especially since he already has a paternal relationship with the woman’s husband.
Melissa says
There is rumor after many years that my biological father is not my dad and that my stepfather is. Unfortunately, my “biological” father is deceased and even though I am an adult (over 18 years of age), I do not want to bring this up to my mother. Can I get a sample from my sister (also over the age of 18) to see if we are biological sisters (if we have the same dad)? Do I need her consent? I just want to put this whole thing to rest.
Identigene says
Hi, Melissa. You can do this kind of test to answer your question, however, your chances of getting conclusive results are better if your mother also participates. I suggest contacting our parent company, DDC, to discuss your options and see which test may be best for you. That number is 800-681-7162. Good luck!
Andi says
My ex and I already had an at home DNA test done yet I believe his mother or father somehow did another one behind my back. His name is not on the birth certificate, only mine and I never consented. The first one came back positive, my ex never questioned! We did it to shut his family up. I was wondering if I can find out if one was ran and what my rights are. I feel violated for myself and my child. Please help us
Identigene says
Hi, Andi. For security and confidentiality reasons, you cannot find out from the lab if the grandparents did a test. As for whether or not you have a case against them for any kind of rights violation, you’d have to contact a family-law attorney.
Sarah says
Hi,
My mother in law got a DNA test on my daughter behind mine and my husband’s back without consent from either of us.
We want to know how we can find out what lab she used and how she was able to get away with it without our signatures or knowledge. We’d like to have our daughter’s genetic information destroyed because we didn’t consent to this.
Are you aware of any applicable laws that protect people from actions similar to my mother in laws?
Identigene says
Hi, Sarah. I can’t speak for other labs, but under Identigene’s Terms and Conditions, participants agree that they have obtained all necessary authorizations and permissions from parents or legal guardians if the child is under the age of 18. We are a testing facility and not a legal service, so you may want to contact a family-law attorney in your area to see if you have any legal recourse.
Amelia says
I’ve been with my husband for 8 years. He’s never gotten anyone pregnant and his family (and even myself) thought he couldn’t have kids.
I got pregnant last year and we were beyond ecstatic. My husband was 38 years old when I gave birth and I think some of his relatives think our son isn’t his even though they look just alike.
My husband thinks I’m overreacting and does not want to do a test but, I still want to prove that he is his father. How can I go about doing this? My husband dips tobacco and spits in a bottle (gross I know) but I’ve even thought about using that.
This has been eating at me since our son was born and I am 110% sure that my husband is the father but, I want it on paper!
Identigene says
Hi, Amelia. That kind of sample would be too contaminated to extract enough viable DNA from. Honestly, it’s best to just be upfront with your husband. If he agrees to test (if nothing else, just to get his relatives off your back and give you peace), just pick up an Identigene kit at your local Wal-Mart, and you’ll get your answer.
Nilda says
Hi my brother have a daughter with his girlfriend but our family doesn’t think is his can I get a DNA test done with our their permission. my niece is just 7months old
Identigene says
Hi, Nilda. Have you tried talking to your brother about it directly? Under our terms and conditions, if you submit samples for a minor child you are acknowledging that you have obtained all permissions, consents, and authorizations necessary. So, in short, you must have the permission of the baby’s legal guardian.
Chuck says
I’m not sure if our 6 wk old son is mine. My name is on the birth certificate and we have 3 kids together now. Will I need to collect a sample from my wife for this test, or can I just use mine and the baby’s? Will it still be accurate?
Identigene says
Hi, Chuck. In most cases, the mother’s DNA is not required to get conclusive results, but sometimes her DNA is necessary, which is why we recommend that she test too. Chances are good you’ll get conclusive results without her, and since you have legal authority to act on behalf of the baby, you don’t need her permission.
Patty says
I have felt for many years that person I was told was my Aunt is truly my sister. She is against testing but I would like to know. How can I go about this?
Identigene says
Hi, Patty. Without your Aunt’s participation, it gets tricky. You could test with a child of your Aunt, if that child is willing. Even then, there is no guarantee of conclusive results. I suggest you contact our relationship-testing experts directly to see if they can help you find more options: 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern).
Costas says
I have a 21 year old daughter. I am listed on the birth certificate as the legal Father, but i have this feeling that another man fathered this girl. Can i do a secret paternity test? I do have ways to do so (tooth brush). Is that possible?
Identigene says
Hi, Costas. You may be able to, but when you submit a DNA sample any other way than via a cheek swab, there’s a chance the lab wouldn’t be able to extract enough DNA for testing. Also, there’s a $150 non-refundable fee just for determining whether or not the sample on the toothbrush is viable. If you’re interested in ordering this test or have more questions, feel free to reach out to us directly at 800-344-9583. Keep in mind that doing this test in secret is not an option…you need to obtain her permission for testing.
Lukas says
That should not be possible without the child’s consent since she is 21 years old and a legal adult.
Patricia says
Is it possible to get a dna test done to find out if my fiance is the legit father of my son without his consent? He signed the Birth certificate but I did not want to admit I had a drunken affair with my ex in the very beginning of our relationship when I got pregnant and now the boy is almost 3 and I’m afraid to go to him with this cause it would devastate him. I however need to know for peace of mind.
Identigene says
Hi, Patricia. We always suggest that people be upfront with their partner when it comes to paternity testing. You didn’t mention which man you were going to test with your child. If it’s your ex, then you wouldn’t need your fiance’s consent. If it’s your fiance, then you would need to tell him so that he can swab his cheeks for testing.
Kay says
If a father wants to do a test with his alleged daughyer. What documents does he need to provide to prove he is the legal father?
Identigene says
Hi, Kay. A signed birth certificate or an acknowledgment of paternity certificate are best.
Weary says
Is there absolutely any way I can 100% prevent the biological father of my son from getting a paternity test and gaining rights? He’s not on the birth certificate, no test has been done, my son is a little over a year old. In the past, this man physically assaulted me while I was pregnant, and has a record of that in the state the child was born.
Identigene says
Hi, Weary. Since he has no legal authority to act on behalf of the child, he wouldn’t be able to order a paternity test with court-admissible results (home test results aren’t accepted by courts). So even if he somehow managed to do a home test with your child, it would do him no good. He’d have to go through the legal system for them to order a test if he wants any kind of parental rights. If he does make a legal motion, it’s up to the court whether or not they think it’s in your child’s best interest to order a test. If things do get that far, you want to retain a family-law attorney or legal social worker immediately to protect yourself and your child. Good luck!
Renee says
Hey..My child is 14 and her father’s wife did a DNA test without my consent or the father’s..Neither of them knew what was happening…until the results came back…Is this illegal to do? And how is this possible?
Identigene says
Hi, Renee. I can’t speak for other laboratories, but only when someone tests with us. Per our terms and conditions, the responsibility is on the customer to ensure that all permissions, especially for minors, have been acquired prior to testing. We take it on good faith that customers are abiding by those terms and conditions. A family-law attorney would best advise you on whether or not you have grounds to pursue any action.
Mark says
Hi,weve been 2 moths with my ex,we undergo pregnancy test because her LMP is Nov.17-23 and we had sex dec 3, and i have a feeling that, that baby is mine because her ex claim that the baby is him,their last sex is on nov 15,now they got married, is it possible to request a dna to their baby?
Identigene says
Hi, Mark. You should contact a family-law attorney in your state for their opinion on whether or not you might have a case that would stand up in court. Good luck!
Diana says
I want to have a test done between my child and her possible biological father. The catch is that my BF who is not her biological father gave my child his last name and he is on my child’s Birth Certificate.
Can I have the test done without my BF knowing about it?
Identigene says
Hi, Diana. Since you have legal authority to act on behalf of your minor child, you don’t need your boyfriend’s permission.
Sassha says
My child’s grandmother (On his dads side) tested our son without mine or my boyfriends consent, we want to know if that’s legal and what we can do about it? Which we all knew it was his child the results just verified it, but we want to go through this the right way.
Identigene says
Hi, Sassha. Paternity law varies from state to state, so that is a question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.
Zillie says
Hi I’m in a situation where I am the legal guardian of a 2 year old.She had been in foster care from birth until 10months & then with me.The mother is married to my brother however he knows the baby is not his but refuses to take a paternity test.I wouldn’t care except for unless I can provide proof then I get NO assistance from CPS they call it Foster & Connections . Would I be able to do this legally?
Identigene says
Hi, Zillie. She’s a lucky little girl to have you! This is a question best answered by a family-law attorney in your area. Good luck!
Jo says
Is it possible that a paternity test is wrong if the mother doesn’t test with dad and child? Also, if dad had tobacco in and brushed teeth immediately before the test?
Identigene says
Hi, Jo. Tobacco or toothpaste wouldn’t change DNA (and therefore affect results), but it could affect the quality of the samples. If results were issued, then there was enough viable DNA on the swabs from the alleged father to be able to test. The mother’s DNA is only necessary if her DNA can help to strengthen results one way or the other.
Jennifer says
We had a home test performed and it came back the child was not my BF. We petition the court and they would not allow another test. Can we perform a LEGAL test in another state without the mother’s consent, my BF is listed on the birth certificate.
Identigene says
Hi, Jennifer. You can if your boyfriend has legal authority to act on behalf of the minor child. If he’s on the birth certificate but does not have authority to act on behalf of the child, then no.
LJ says
I have a 7 month old son his father is out of the picture he just recently popped back into the picture he is not on the birth certificate I think he did a DNA test on my son I feel violated as my rights have been striped from me am I able to take this to court?
Identigene says
Hi, LJ. Is he trying to push to get a DNA test so he can see your son? I’m not sure why you think he did a DNA test without your knowledge…was he ever alone with him long enough to do a cheek swab? Unless he petitions for paternity, there’s no need to do anything yet. He has no rights to your son right now.
LJ says
Being nice I allowed my son to spend some time with him and his mother. No one said anything to me about getting a paternity test done. I have suspension that he did one because another one of his children mother told me he said he took a DNA test on my child.
Samantha says
My boyfriend has a kid…he has lived with my boyfriend and I…well my boyfriend since he was 6 months old, he came into my life shortly after he turned 1. My boyfriend is not on his birth certificate and baby momma has told him that some other man is his father so now he has 2 dads. My question is although hes not on the birth certificate, if she gave my boy friend power of attorney, since shes leaving state for a while, would he be able to get a dna test done with mpower of attorney?
Identigene says
Hi, Samantha. That’s a question best answered by a family-law attorney in your state.
Bruce says
I have a grandson in his 40’s, and I have never believed that I am his mother’s father. His mother is deceased. How can I discreetly learn if I am really his grandfather?
Identigene says
Hi, Bruce. Considering accredited labs need consent for testing, it’s really not possible for you to do a test without your grandson knowing. If you really need to find this out, it’s best to be upfront.
Rose says
I am pretty sure my uncle, my father’s brother is my biological father. My mother mentioned something once while intoxicated and other factors match up as well. It seems to be a deeply buried secret that I would like to find the truth about since my uncle as now had his first child, which may be my half sibling. Would testing my sister’s (from my mother/father) DNA against mine be helpful. I do not think I could get consent from any of my other family members.
Identigene says
Hi, Rose. You can do a half-sibling versus full sibling test and see if you can get a conclusive result, but there’s no guarantee of getting clear results. It really depends on which DNA you share in common. This is a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle…the more pieces you have, the more likely you are to get a clear picture. With only the two sisters participating, your chances of getting conclusive results are pretty low, especially since the other possible father shares 50% of his DNA with your presumed dad. Ideally, the men would both test. At the very least, your mother would participate with the two sisters and the lab would need to be notified of the possibility that the uncle is the father rather than the presumed father. You’re welcome to contact our parent company, DDC, to see what our other experts think: 800-681-7162.
James says
I am now divorced from my wife. My son is 20 years old. I have strong information that my son is not really mine. How can I get a DNA test to check this?
Identigene says
Hi, James. Yes, if your son agrees.
Draco says
Hey I’m a man who thinks that a woman I was with is currently pregnant with my child and she’s refusing to believe it’s ours and she would never consent to a prenatal paternity test to prove I’m the father and she won’t even put her first child’s father on the birth certificate that she has for the child how would I go about seeing if I am the biological father without permission from her and get it done privately and discreetly
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Draco. You cannot while she is pregnant, but after the baby is born you could petition the court for a test if the woman won’t agree to one. If the court sees reason for one to be performed, then she would be compelled to do so.
Don says
Hello,
I am trying to find out if I have a daughter living in Arkansas.
Is it possible for me to send you all my DNA test & have it match her DNA in her medical records?
Though I know her first & last name, & her Mother’s first & last name, I am not able to contact her to take her DNA test.
Not only that, I would like to do my best to find out first before getting her stirred up emotionally, & then let down.
Can you please tell me what my options are?
God bless you..
Thank you in advance..
Don
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Don. We must have permission from all participants to do testing, and we require physical samples (cheek-swab DNA) from all participants as well, so we’re probably not the best option for you. Have you considered reaching out to one of the DNA companies that maintains publicly-accessible DNA databases? If you test with them and then give permission for them to make your DNA data public, you may be able to find clues to your biological connection to her. But of course, this is only if she has also allowed her DNA to be public. Good luck!
Ayesha says
Hi, I’m 16 years old and I found out recently that my mum is having an affair with a married man who is not my alleged father and she is not telling me when it began and gets very defensive about the date of when the affiar began . She divorced my father when I was 3 as my father also had an affair with my current stepmother who has 3 younger children from my father. My mums current affair is a secret and nobody but me, my older sister,my mother and my mothers ‘husband’ knows. There is therefore a possibility that I am not my alleged fathers daughter, all my life everyone says I look nothing like my father but a spitting image of my mother which contrasts to my older sister who looks like a spitting image of my alleged father. therefore there is no physical proof that I am my alleged fathers daughter. I do not know how long my mother’s affiar has been going on with the married man as my family have known their family since before me or my older sister were born, so it could have been happening before my mother and ‘fathers’ divorce. Therefore as no one knows about this possibility of who is my biological father I am struggling of a way to find out what kind of DNA test to do, if it’s even possible. I am from the UK and I’m sure paternal tests can be done without the knowledge of the Father but I’m not sure.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Ayesha. Because you are still a minor child, your parent with legal guardianship would need to approve any DNA test. We have an office in the UK, and you’re welcome to contact them to discuss your options at 020 3301 7346. Good luck!
Lucy says
Hi i am pregant 26 weeks I had an abortion but the abortion failed and didn’t find out untill i was 22 weeks pregant so was too late and now a font no who the dad is as i slept woth one on the 13th of April and other 19th april i haven’t told eother of them i am pregant because I am imbarrised how woyld i get dna done when baby born and get there’s with out them knowing how could I do it thank you
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Lucy. It’s best to be up front about it and you can’t do it secretly, since testing requires signed consent from all parties.
g says
i have a two month old son, the dad wants to take a dna test and i don’t want to take one because i don’t want him to have rights, so do i have to consent to the dna test if he isn’t on the birth certificate and has no rights ?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, G. You don’t have to if he takes you to court, but if you read this article, you’ll see why refusing to test is not a good idea. If he doesn’t take you to court, you are under no obligation to do it.
Kevin says
I am a 29 year old man. My girlfriend and I have a 9 month old son. I am on the birth certificate as the legal father. We are in Ohio where I know that mothers have all rights if you are not married. Do I still need her consent?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kevin. That’s a question best answered by a family-law attorney.
Mason says
Hello I had an affair with a married woman who got pregnant she still with her husband who is also on the birth certificate can I do a dna test without the father knowing but with the mothers consent as I would like to be tested to see if the baby is mine she is 2 half years old thanks any help greatly appreciated I don’t no what else to do if I am the biological father then I want to put my name on her birth certificate and be apart of her life it’s killing me thanks
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Mason. Technically, a DNA test could be performed, as long as the mother consents. However, whether that’s the right thing to do is debatable. As to whether or not the birth certificate could be changed, that’s entirely up to the courts. You definitely want to consult with a family-law attorney in your area before taking any steps.
Kevin says
I have doubts that my neice is really my brothers daughter. in fact, there has always been speculation amongst the family. She is now an adult. How can I go about testing her DNA without her or my brother knowing?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kevin. Quite simply, it’ not possible.
Lee says
Dad listed on my birth certificate, I’ve met him twice. His kids and I look nothing alike. Do I need his persmission to test to see if he really is my father?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Lee. It’s not clear what you’re asking his permission for. Were you going to test with his children to see if you’re related to their father? Why not ask him directly if he’d be willing to test with you? That would be the simplest, most cost-effective way to get your answer.
Red says
Can I expect reliable results on a paternity test if I was concerned about my wife having had an affair with my mother’s brother? i would not be testing against him, samples would just be mine and the child’s
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Red. Yes, as long as you notify the lab ahead of time of the other possible father and how he is biologically related to you. That way, the scientists can take this information into consideration when doing their analysis and establishing a probability of paternity.
Teya says
Hi,
My father left our family for his “other family” and the woman is 30 years younger than he is. He has a “son” who is now 15 years old, my half “brother” if you could even call him that but I don’t believe it is really his son. He now brought them from China and now got them legal citizenship here. He is also planning on leaving all his money with his supposed “son”.
I am not close with them at all but I am concerned my father is being used by these people and want to prove it is not his son. How can I do this?
If it is really his son then fine but these people ruined my family’s life and if it really is not his son I want to prove it and get them shipped back to china.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Teya. If you want to prove or disprove a relationship through DNA, you would need their consent.
Jim says
Hi , This is Jim. I have a partner before and her sister told me that her sister got pregnant and maybe I am the father however my ex partner keeps on telling me that I am not the father of the baby. That is why i’m confused. Her sister wanted to know the truth and she wanted me to have a paternity test with the baby however, my ex partner refused to conduct a paternity test. What should I do. The baby just 5 months old.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Jim. Whether or not you should have a paternity test is not your ex’s sister’s decision. It’s your ex’s and yours. If your ex refuses, but you really want to know, you can petition in court if you want. In many places you only have two (2) years to do this after the baby’s born, so you may not want to wait long.
Baby lulu says
My spouse and I have a 1 year old daughter, recently my sister was informed this information from a guy I had an affiar with while my spouse and I were on break he was a friend of mine however my spouse up to now is not aware of this. But the information this guy gave my sister was that he is the father of our child and he have proof bcuz he underhandedly have a friend of his took my daughters dna and the result came back saying he’s the father. Now he had summon me to court for a declaration of paternity. What am I to do? And any advice on how to break this to my spouse after a year of him raising our daughter this guy wants to take her away from him, I need help
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Baby lulu. You don’t mention where you live, but in most states in the U.S.A., a child born under a marriage is considered the legal child of the husband and the court will always act in the best interest of the child. I cannot give you advice on how to talk to your husband about this, but you definitely need to retain the services of a good family-law attorney if court is in your future.
John says
I’ve got a newborn. The mother and I are not together but I am on the birth certificate. Nothing has been determined by court yet but I was wondering if I have to have the morher’s Consent for a peace of mind at home paternity test.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, John. Per our terms and conditions, yes you do.
Theresa says
I look nothing like my dad. I am 40 and he is 60. Both of my parents change the subject when I bring it up. My mom slept around and they divorced. She says I do not have another dad. My siblings all look mexican. I have very white skin. Can I send his hair or anything around the house as a sample? Cost?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Theresa. Hair lying around the house does not contain enough DNA for paternity testing. Hair needs to have the root and you need about 16 strands of it. I caution you about making assumptions about paternity based on physical appearance. You can have the same parents as your siblings yet have much whiter skin. Everyone inherits a different set of genes.
Lisa says
I have two adult sons and their father is deceased. I had a one day affair and have wondered for 30 years if both of my boys have the same father. Problem is that I have kept this a secret and I believe my son in question would not only be devastated but also loose all respect for me as a mother. I want a dna test without my boys knowing. I don’t want them to have to go through the depression if not necessary. I’m concerned not I only for piece of mind but also for future health problems they may have. I don’t want to pass on and then they find out they have different fathers if a medical emergency would ever arise. Also I don’t want to live the rest if my life not knowing for sure. Is there any way I can have a dna test done without either of them knowing?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Lisa. Since they are adults, you would need their consent for testing.
Binod says
I had a girlfriend but she the wife of another,she gives birth to a baby and he is 17months old,I want my child ,can I have it?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Binod. You didn’t mention the country you live in. But I image that you’ll need to contact a family-law attorney in your area to determine what your legal options are.
Vanessa says
Hello. I was told that my mother had an affair before I was born. I have several siblings and I want to know if they are truely my brothers and sisters. Also My oldest sister is years older than me and I’m really thinking she is my mother. What is the best way to settle this? I want dna testing without her knowing. I am now 58 and she is 76.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Vanessa. The best and surest way to get your answer is to do a maternity test with your sister, but that would require her knowing, of course. Since it sounds like you don’t want to ruffle feathers, though, you may want to just let sleeping dogs lie.
douglas says
My wife died within this last year and I have found some papers that hint at the possibility that my sons are not mine. I loved my wife and I love my sons, but I still want to find out if they are my children. However, I do not want my sons to know I want to do this or the results. Is it possible to send in cutting of my hair, my son’s hair, and I even have some of my wife’s hair without getting a signed consent form. I would be the only one seeing the results.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Doug. A hair sample is tricky because paternity-testing requires hair with the root, which is nearly impossible to collect without someone knowing about it. I suggest you contact our experts to see if there are better sample options for what you’re looking for: 800-681-7162.
thenjiwe says
hi… ive been separated with my baby dad for 4 years now nd my child is 4years, all the time he was supporting the child even though most of the time im forcing and reminding him on what he should do up untill recently he stopped suppoting and we fight on the things he should do… one day he came to my house saying the child is not his (saying that the traditional healer said so) i just told him to stay away from us nd never come to my place few week down the line he came with his family to appologies nd taking the words back, after that he came to visit the child once in a month up untill last week he came 2days in a row and the second day he came and took the child for lunch and came back around 5 when the child arrives at home she then told us where they went and that they meet her fathers friend whom he put a cotten wool inside her mouth nd took that cotton wool in a plastic back then soon after that that friend left… so to my understanding because of the fight they did my child a paternity test to my child without my concern and approve so now my question is it legal for him to do a partenity test without a mother present and what legal action can i take towards this issue?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, thenjiwe. If it makes you feel any better, if he did a home test he can’t use results for legal reasons and besides, you have no way of knowing whether or not the DNA he submitted for testing was really your child’s or someone else’s. According to most companies’ terms and conditions, including ours, the burden is on the customer to ensure they get permission from a legal parent to do a DNA test. As for whether you can take any legal action, that’s a question best answered by a family-law attorney where you live.
Cris says
Hello, my grandmother told me my sister wasn’t my father’s child. She found out and now it’s weighing heavily on her but she doesn’t want to go do the rest. Is there a way I can test her DNA with mine to see if she is my full sister without her knowing?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Cris. I suggest you contact our parent company DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) directly so they can help you figure out what your best options are: 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern).
Raymond says
42 years ago circumstances the afternoon of December 31st, 1977, seven months later the mother although I’d used a condom, and the only way given a premature ejaculation during coitus interruptus would have been self insemination, the mother asks me for a blood test. In 1978, blood tests I knew were only 60% accurate, but explained to her that when the child arrived then would be the time for a blood test, her timing was off to be coming to me seven months later when by the first month why wasn’t I informed if a viable candidate? Years passed and the Internet has conception and gestation calculators. In use of those 280 days later the child was born on October 5, 1978. I have done comps of the young woman’s physiognomy as compared to her ‘known’ father, myself, and her siblings as well to those of my own children her other half brother and sister then from my marriage placing those two children respectively ages 34 and 29 to the girl in question being 41 years old.
Having attempted DNA, by consent directly with the young woman, of course she sourced her mother whom once cornered denied the tryst the irony of her station in life a Christian Children’s Ministry Director. Spending $400.oo with no results is just a fact of life, but it does not avail just knowing for fact is this my biological daughter definitively or not? How should I process how one can lie to one’s daughter after making allegations true or false to that potential biological father? In what way can I ever find out if necessary to covertly gain DNA, and simply satisfy my own mind if not as well to dispel that I am any kind of liar or otherwise attempting to worm myself into a family when if she is my biological daughter only to reconcile what matter is the basic principles of human values and FACTS.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Raymond. Did you say you did get a DNA test with your possible daughter? I’m confused at what you spent $400 on if you still don’t have an answer. Can you fill in some details, please? Thanks.
Bryan says
Hello,
I am a 50 year old man, married, and seeing a 30 year old woman. She is not married but lives with a man. They have 3 children who live with them. A 10 yr old from a previous relationship, a 4 yr old from their current relationship, and a 15 month old. The 10 yr olds father has been established and is from a relationship yrs back. The 4 yr olds father is the man she currently lives with and he being the 4 yr olds father has been established. We have been seeing one another for 3 years, in October of 2017 she became pregnant. Carried the child for 9 months stating the entire time she had not been involved with anyone but me and the timelines did match up. During these 3 years, the man she lives with has an idea she is seeing someone, but has no idea who that is or that it is me. 8 months into her pregnancy, he drops a hint that he is the father and states why. All this time he has repeatedly said that the truth will come out and he is not the father, but reveals 8 months in to her pregnancy that there is the possibility because of a night of drinking and having sex. She states that yes, she drank and got drunk but can not remember anything else that took place. After he had stated this, she disconnected herself from me for 3 months, had her baby boy, an after the 1st 2 months of him being born, she contacts me again and we begin seeing each as before. However, the boy does resemble me more and has the same color eyes which match my eyes, and not those of her, or him. As he has grown older, he continues to favor me more and more and looks identical to my baby pictures at that age. She has held the guilt over me for abandoning him, but in fact it has been her, who abandoned me for 3 months to go through the birth and the first 2 months of the child’s life. She still lives with the same man and he questions her daily on his eyes and the facts that he doesn’t look like either one of them. He did sign the birth certificate as the father but clearly that would seem impossible now and leading up till now because the child resembles me in looks, eyes, mannerisms and characteristics.
I would like a DNA test completed to put this question to rest and establish my relationship with him. The child has his last name.
My questions are,
*How do I establish grounds for having a DNA test completed.
*Is there any legal action I can take to protect my rights to have a DNA test done to prove I either am, or I’m not, his father?
*Can I legally have the man she lives with, ordered by law to submit to a DNA test?
*Is it better for myself to voluntarily submit to a test and keep the results, if I am the father, hidden and secret between her and myself until something is made public about our 3 year relationship?
*Or is it wise or in my best interest to allow or have him ordered to take a DNA test, if orders are even possible to have served on him?
He is 15 months old now and side by side photographs show he could almost be my twin we resemble one another so closely.
Please advise, I want the DNA test conducted, but what legal grounds do I have, if any at all, to have the paternity established?
Thank You
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Bryan. Here are some answers to your questions, in order:
1. To establish grounds for a paternity claim, you need to contact a family-law attorney, especially if the mother is not willing to test.
2. Although laws vary from state to state, in most cases you can petition the court for paternity up until the child is 2 years old.
3. Your petition would be for you to be allowed to test for paternity, and not the man she lives with.
4. and 5. This is entirely your decision.
All this being said, since the man has signed the birth certificate and taken legal responsibility for the child, there is no guarantee that the court would grant you any rights. You should contact an attorney right away.
Bryan says
Also as well, I am the last of a long bloodline that can continue the last name going on further and would want his last name changed to my last name?
Is that possible.
Thank You once again.
Michael says
What I want to know is can I get a DNA sample from my mother without her consent and get it tested just to find out if she is actually my mother or not ? I already know that my dad isn’t my real dad and She refuses to answer my questions when it comes to this she also refuses to do a DNA test … looking for a straight out answer if possible I think I may have been stolen at birth
HomeDNA Identigene says
Michael, just so you know, it’s difficult to obtain enough of a sample for testing without the other person’s knowledge, and in some areas it’s against the law. Rather than trying to hash it out in a back-and-forth here online,I suggest you contact one of our experts directly at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern) to see what your best options are.
John Doe III says
Hi, my mother recently ended an argument with “Well he’s not even your father, there, the secrets out!”
I am 33, and would like to determine if he is or isn’t. I don’t want him to know I am looking to find out for numerous reasons, one being if he is aware of a possible affair or not. I obviously don’t want to open that bag if not necessary. If it turns out he is my dad, great, but if not I have more thinking to do and decisions to make.
I’m fairly certain that I cannot test his DNA without his consent, correct? But could I find anything out with my brothers DNA? I do not want to involve my mother either, so what are my options?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Dear John. That sure is a tough situation your mother has put you in. Yes, your father would need to consent to testing. You and your brother could definitely do a half-sibling or full-sibling test and hope that can give you your answer. Keep in mind the chances of obtaining conclusive results are much better if your mother also participates, but you mention you don’t want to involve her. If you’d like to talk things over with one of our experts, you’re welcome to contact us at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern). Good luck!
Brittney says
I am 15 weeks pregnant, my boyfriend and I broke up for a few weeks and I slept with someone else but the same week I slept with someone else my boyfriend and I got back together. The due date does not match either conception date. I have not told him that I slept with someone else and I cannot bring myself to tell him unless I know the baby isn’t his. Is there a way to do a DNA test without him knowing?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Brittney. For a prenatal test, there’s no way to perform it without a possible father knowing because it is required that he provide a cheek-swab DNA sample.
Hayley says
I’m in a committed relationship with someone, and we have a child and another on the way, he had a rough run with his ex before me, and she fell pregnant whilst they were together but says that the child is actually his then best friends child. Looking at photos of this child and photos of my partner when he was younger really do suggest that the child is my partners, she even looks extremely similar to my baby. The problem is this child is actually in foster care because the mother and the supposed father are now both full on drug addicts, and the supposed father won’t get the DNA test done because he is scared of losing this kid that he isn’t even looking after and doesn’t seem to care for, and my partner is trying to let bygones be bygones, but it niggles at me every day because if this child is my partners, I want her to come home, I want to be her mum, and I want her to know her sister, and soon to be sibling.. So my question is can I get a DNA test done for my partner with out anyone knowing?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Hayley. How good of you to want to look after the child! Unfortunately, you cannot do a DNA test yourself and here’s why: (1) You must have permission from a legal guardian when testing, and (2) Your partner, as an alleged father, is the one who needs to initiate any legal request for testing…you have no rights to do so. I suggest contacting an attorney in your area to see what the best options are.
Crystal says
I am currently13 weeks pregnant. I know who the father is but he’s in denial we have two other children together is it possible if he refuses to do the DNA test to use their saliva to match my blood sample for the unborn baby
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Crystal. If you want to do a prenatal paternity test, only a cheek-swab DNA sample from the possible father is accepted: not samples from possible siblings. If you want to wait until after the baby’s born, then you can choose to do a sibling test with their DNA, the baby’s, and yours.
Desiree says
My brother and sister in-law were incarcerated at the same time, and rather than involve child protective services my husband and I took over caring for their children until they were released in a couple months and got back on their feet. After a year and a half, they are separated and neither have interest in turning their lives around. Both are trying to have me release the children to them strictly as a means of getting food stamps and other financial support. I am going to proceed with the courts to gain custody. However, there is a question as to the paternity of the youngest child. As the youngest is already traumatized and alienated from her siblings as she was not allowed to live with the family prior to them coming to stay with me, I was wondering if it was legal to do a sibling test without consent solely for the purpose of knowing whether or not the custody hearing is going to cause further trauma to the child?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Desiree. First of all, bless you for caring for these children. Until you are a legal guardian, you must obtain permission from a minor child’s parent before ordering any type of DNA yourself.