The court ordered paternity test is very different from the at home paternity test. In fact, the differences are in both price and way in which samples are collected. Despite both these DNA tests being the same in terms of laboratory analysis and the type of sample used, you will not be able to use the results of an at home test other than for your own interest and to answer the question to your paternity query.
The court ordered paternity test is carried out following court specifications; there is what is known as a strict chain of custody in place which ensures the right method of sample collection which is secure and cheat-proof. This is what essentially changes with a home paternity test; in the latter, people taking part will need to collect their own samples themselves. Paternity testing has come a long way to help men have their paternity rights. It has also helped many mothers get their children’s rights in cases where the biological father of the child does not acknowledge or take on his duties as the father.
How to get a court ordered paternity test
Whilst you will need a legal paternity test following a court order, a legal paternity test is not synonymous with a court ordered test. For a court ordered test you will need to contact a lawyer who deals with issues of child custody and the likes. If not, you can also go through certain agencies that are responsible for child support. These agencies want to ensure fathers are getting their visitation rights but also that children of these fathers are getting the financial support they need.
Before or after? When is the court ordered test done?
The court ordered test is normally done after the child is born. It is possible to get the paternity test before the birth of the child but a court will rarely push for this as it is preferable, for medical reasons, to wait till after the child is born.
Do I have other options besides a court ordered paternity test?
Yes, depending on how well the people requiring the test are getting on, you may opt for an out of court test. You can do this at home and take your own samples; the result will have no court value but you can still use it to settle the issue of paternity at hand. If the people involved are in conflict, you might need to get a court order and then go on to do the legal paternity test.
The court ordered paternity test is of course more costly and will take longer- however, it is essential in some cases were the interested parties cannot settle it out of court.
What if you are a sperm donor – do you have rights to a legal paternity test? Read more.