Paternity Test Archives - Page 42 of 54

Do I Need a Legal DNA Paternity Test, or is a Personal DNA Paternity Test OK?

by HOMEDNA on 01/24/2011

Once you’ve decided on which type of DNA testing you need, such as paternity testing or other types of relationship testing, you must then decide if you want results just for peace of mind, or if you are going to need paternity results for legal purposes.

Personal “peace-of- mind” DNA paternity testing

The at-home peace-of-mind paternity test is not considered to be court admissible. The collection kits are purchased at a local pharmacy and include all supplies needed for participants to collect DNA samples, along with detailed instructions on how to do so. When participants collect and submit their own samples, the results can only be used for their personal information. Because samples are self-collected there is no way for IDENTIGENE (or the courts) to confirm the samples belong to the correct individuals indicated as being tested. This is because collections are done by the participants in their homes and there is no independent verification of the submitted samples.

Legal DNA paternity testing

Legal DNA testing is used when paternity results are needed for legal purposes, such as child support, social security, child custody, survivor’s benefits, etc. The testing process is identical for both personal and legal DNA testing once the samples arrive at the laboratory.

The collection and submission process is what separates the legal DNA test from the personal DNA test.

In a legal collection all participants are sent to a third-party Collector. IDENTIGENE works maintains a nationwide database to assist us with scheduling DNA testing with Collectors in your area. IDENTIGENE also takes care of all of the paperwork and getting supplies to the Collector, so all participants need to do is to go to the appointment.

The Collector establishes a chain of custody that verifies they have witnessed the collection of each participant’s DNA sample and sent those samples directly to the laboratory. The Collector verifies identification through government-issued ID, and photographs are taken at the time of collection, if applicable. This way it can be proven in court who provided samples for the paternity test and results can be used to render legal decisions.

For answers to additional questions about how the legal DNA paternity test works, please contact our expert client support team at 800-344-9583 Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-5:30 PM Eastern Time. They are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Is DNA Testing an Accurate Way to Answer Paternity Questions?

by HOMEDNA on 01/19/2011

DNA testing has been used in to determine biological relationships in the United States for awhile now. We use DNA Paternity testing, and other DNA relationship tests to answer questions for uncertainties, or for those who believe they found long lost family members. DNA science technology has given us answers to questions we would not have been able to imagine could be answered several years ago.

Paternity testing in other parts of the world

Emirates 24/7 shows us another viewpoint on the topic. Professors of Ilsamic Shariah law state “DNA analysis is not the accurate method to determine a person’s lineage.” Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al Haddad of Iftaa’ Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department of Dubai, and Dr Abdul Ha’aq Humaish, professor of Islamic Sharaiah Law of Sharjah University refuse to rely on DNA testing in paternity cases. A family court judge, Khalid Al Hawsani, considers paternity testing as a presumption and not evidence of paternity. You can read more about this on Emirates 24/7.

Is DNA testing an accurate way to answer paternity questions?

Every community must decide for themselves how to interpret and apply genetic information. While the U.S. has accepted DNA Paternity Testing as standard evidence in family law and criminal cases, we still have questions about other kinds of genetic information: how do we develop DNA testing for medical diagnosis? Should we use genetic information for health insurance? How about a DNA test that determines your diet and exercise program? Judges of Shariah Law are defining how they will accept and use paternity test information. Meanwhile in the US, you can pick up the IDENTIGENE home paternity test kit at your local retailer or online, which is something that was unheard of just six years ago. One thing is certain: genetic testing is changing the way we think about the world.

Grandmother Denied DNA Paternity Test for Grandson

by HOMEDNA on 01/17/2011

A paternity test can confirm paternity results. But what about if the alleged father is deceased and the needed DNA for paternity testing won’t be released? What if there is no one else available on the alleged father’s side of the family to participate in DNA testing with the child?

Paternity testing can help one family with much-needed proof

For one family in Maine, a paternity test could answer a question that can better their way of life. Fosters.com reports on one woman’s struggle to get what she feels is her grandson’s birthright through paternity testing. Pam Caccialini gained custody of her two grandchildren in November of 2008 when her daughter was unable to care for them. The brothers are half siblings with different biological fathers. The youngest child, Mason, is two years old and doesn’t know his biological father. Mason’s mother claims his biological father is U.S. Army Spc. William M. Smith who passed away at the age of 27 on January 9, 2009 while on active duty.

A fight for DNA paternity testing

Both Pam and her husband are taking care of the two children and are having a hard time making ends meet. She feels death benefits can assist to ease the burden and help pay for Mason’s college. Pam has gone to many sources to try to gain death and medical benefits for Mason, but with no success. Before any benefits can be released to Mason, she needs paternity results to be established . She has petitioned for a paternity test using a blood card with the alleged father’s DNA that is kept by the military . The blood card cannot be used for paternity testing without authorization from the next of kin. Claims have been made that the next of kin is William M. Smith’s mother, Linda Everette. But Pam says the child’s alleged grandmother will not authorize the blood cards be released. Linda Everette claims she has not been contacted by any of the agencies Pam is working with.

With the alleged father being deceased and no other relatives to participate in a DNA test, Pam Caccialini is at a dead end, but continues to fight for what she feels is her grandson’s birthright. Read more about her story on fosters.com.

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.

Personal “peace-of- mind” DNA paternity testing

Legal DNA paternity testing

Paternity testing in other parts of the world

Is DNA testing an accurate way to answer paternity questions?

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