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Court-Admissible Paternity Tests (Legal Paternity Tests)

by HOMEDNA on 08/22/2014

Whether you want to use your paternity test results in court or just for your own personal information, the laboratory uses the same high standards in DNA testing and produces exactly the same results. So, what’s the difference? It’s the way the samples are collected.

For court-admissible (legal) testing, IDENTIGENE arranges DNA sample collection appointments where each person being tested provides a copy of their ID (a driver’s license or passport). The collector makes sure each person’s samples are attached to the correct ID, and then sends the samples directly to the lab. This chain-of-custody process provides both proof of identity and proof of paternity to the court.

Simply call IDENTIGENE to arrange your collection appointment (additional fees may apply).

NEW YORK RESIDENTS: The collection process in New York State requires a witnessed collection on every test. Our DNA Paternity Test Kit for New York Residents already includes everything you need to complete your court-admissible test.

How to Get a Legal Paternity Test (Court-Admissible)

1. Call IDENTIGENE

Call us to find a collection site near you. Please allow up to 24 hours to schedule your collection appointment and ship materials to the collection site. In order to maintain chain of custody, we must mail a kit directly to the collection site. If you’ve already purchased a home kit, no problem! We’ll credit your account.

2. Visit the Collection Site

Bring your photo ID (driver’s license or passport) or recent photograph to the collection site. Collect DNA samples at the appointment. The Collector sends your samples and chain-of-custody paperwork directly to IDENTIGENE.

3. Access Results Online

Access your results online just two (2) business days after the samples arrive at the laboratory. If you want results even faster, 1-day or same-day results are available for an additional fee. Don’t worry: Once your results are ready, you’ll get an email notification from us. A hard copy of the test results can also be sent to you, your attorney, a court officer or social worker by request.

Remember: Whether you’re testing for peace of mind, or need your results for court, the testing method at the lab is the exact same! The only difference in the two is the collection method.

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 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.

New York Paternity Tests

by HOMEDNA on 08/22/2014

HomeDNA New York DNA paternity test kits provide a fast, convenient, and cost-effective option for those with paternity questions. We designed the first DNA Paternity Test Kit approved by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)that is available at your local drugstore or super center.

New York at-home paternity testing requires authorization (authorizing agents may be a doctor or lawyer), and the collection process must be witnessed by a ‘disinterested third-party’ (a Collector). This collection process is the same one used for court-admissible legal paternity testing in other states.

How a New York Paternity test works

1.Purchase the HomeDNA New York Paternity Test Kit

You can purchase the HomeDNA Paternity Test Kit for New York Residents at your local drug store. Find the paternity test kit at CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, or Walmart.com.

What’s in the Box

The Paternity Test Kit for New York Residents includes the following:

$30 DNA Paternity Testing Discount Card
Instruction Booklet
Collection Appointment Reminder
Case Reference Card

2. Get Testing Authorization

Your doctor or attorney (licensed in New York State) can provide authorization for paternity testing. Your doctor or attorney can write out the authorization for you and sign it.

We must have a digital copy of this authorization attached to your case before we can set up a collection appointment for you.

Call us for help with finding a doctor or collection site near you: 800.344.9583.

3. Call us to set up your DNA Collection Appointment

When you’re ready to set up your appointment to have DNA collected at an approved facility, give us a call at 800.344.9583 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time).

4. Collect DNA Samples

A Collector must witness the DNA sample collection (using the enclosed buccal (cheek) swabs) and is responsible for mailing samples in. The Collector can be your doctor or lawyer or an individual at an approved HomeDNA collection site (call us for help with finding a collection site near you).

Bring a copy of your photo ID (or a recent photo) to the collection appointment. The Collector is responsible for opening the sealed collection kit. Do not unseal and open the kit ahead of time. With the Collector, fill out one Chain-of-Custody form and one Sample Envelope for each person being tested. Use the included cheek swabs to collect a DNA sample, with the Collector serving as a witness.

5. Send DNA Samples to the Lab

The Collector will seal up the DNA samples, the Chain-of-Custody forms, and the Order and Authorization Form in the Postage-paid Return Mailer and send them directly to our lab.

6. Get Paternity Test Results

In just two (2) business days after samples arrive at the laboratory, results are mailed to the doctor or lawyer who signed the paternity test authorization. Express results are also available for an additional fee. If you would like to access your results online, make sure you provide a username and password on the Order Form.

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.

Can I Do A Secret Paternity Test Without Mom, Dad Or Child Knowing?

by HOMEDNA on 08/07/2014

Paternity testing can be stressful enough. Add the fact that you don’t want mom, child or maybe even the possible father to know about the testing and it becomes even more of a worry! You begin to think of ways to test for paternity without the other party knowing, maybe sending in some hair, toothbrush or other special specimens. So . . .

“How can I do a secret DNA test?”

This is a very common question asked by potential IDENTIGENE clients when they call us. Many people are looking for a way to test without one or more persons knowing. Want to know how?

ANSWER: All legal DNA tests require a consent signature from the person whose samples were submitted. Samples provided for minors under the age of 18 need to have the consent form signed by a legal guardian. So if you want to do a legal paternity test using cheek-swab samples for mother, potential father, and child, it cannot be secret.

‘So can I send in a toothbrush or some hair?’

ANSWER: Yes, but the special specimen test still requests consent from all participants or samples will not be tested. Also, very specific criteria must be met in order for us to accept these types of samples for testing.

Here are some of the details about special-specimen testing:

Our lab must do a viability test for special specimens first, to determine whether enough DNA can be extracted. The testing fee for viability is non-refundable.
The lab needs more information such as what the sample is, how old the sample is, and how much of it there is.
Special specimen testing is $150 plus the relationship test lab fee.
Keep in mind that processing a special specimen does not guarantee there will be sufficient DNA for testing.

‘I don’t want testing to be secret, but they refuse to send in or provide a DNA sample. So what can I do?’

You’ve already tried talking to the person, letting them know the benefits of finding the truth and having a peace of mind, but they won’t budge. This is an issue we hear all the time and we sympathize! This is when other relationship testing comes in handy.

ANSWER: IDENTIGENE offers Grandparent, Sibling, and Avuncular DNA tests. We understand there are circumstances when a participant is not available or willing to test. These tests provide a way to answer paternity questions using first-degree relatives. Keep in mind that all test types will require consent from the participants sending in their DNA.

The bottom line

‘Honey, I want a paternity test,’ may not be your favorite conversation starter, and an even more difficult one to hear. When it comes to paternity testing, we believe honesty really is the best policy. Consent for the child and other participants must come first.

Read about how to ask your partner for a paternity test