AUGUST 21, 2018

Can I Do a DNA Paternity Test without the Father?

Can a DNA Paternity Test Be Done Without the Father?

Paternity testing helps identify the true biological father of a child and provides clear evidence for legal issues or for people just seeking peace of mind. This article answers several questions you might have about DNA paternity testing without the father.

Paternity Testing Using a Grandparent or Other Relative

If a possible father isn’t available for testing, the best choice is to test one or both of his parents. Another option is to test the child’s DNA against the DNA of a sibling using our Siblingship Test or Half-Siblingship Test. We can also determine paternity using another close relative of the potential father, such as a brother or sister. For all these tests, including the mother’s DNA greatly optimizes conclusiveness. To order a paternity test using the potential father’s relatives, contact our DNA relationship specialists to determine the right test for you.

Paternity Testing for Court or Other Legal Purposes

If you require paternity testing for legal purposes, a legally-binding chain-of-custody paternity test is the best choice. A chain-of-custody form that authorizes the test must be signed and processed for the court to recognize the validity of the results. In a chain-of-custody paternity test with court-admissible results, cheek swabs and necessary paperwork are sent directly to one of approximately 5,000 nationwide DNA collection facilities testing facilities authorized to provide services for DDC.  We make the appointments for all participants. At that appointment, the identities of all individuals tested are confirmed, and samples are carefully handled to prevent tampering. Within 24 to 48 hours after samples have arrived at the lab, you receive online results that can be used as evidence for legal matters.

Paternity Testing Using Hair or Other Non-Standard Samples

Non-standard samples such as hair or a toothbrush from a potential father can be used for testing, although other items such as discarded ear swabs or used tissue are better. When using non-standard samples is the only option, we work with individuals to determine the best sample possible for each situation. Once we receive your sample at our laboratory outside Cincinnati, Ohio, we determine a profile from the possible father’s DNA. If the sample is sufficient, we compare this DNA profile to the DNA collected from the child’s cheek swabs to determine a probability of paternity. Results from this process are typically available within 5 to 10 business days, but may take more or less time depending on the quality of the sample.

How Accurate is a DNA Paternity Test?

DNA tests are powerful tools when determining paternity in divorce, custody, or child-support cases.  They help women identify biological fathers and possible fathers prove they are not biological fathers, and the science has been rigorously tested and described in scientific journals.  Results from our legally-binding chain-of-custody paternity tests are recognized in courts worldwide as proof of paternity.

How Many DNA Tests Are Done Each Year?

In 2006, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study that showed 300,000 paternity tests are performed each year in the United States. Since then, that number has grown steadily, climbing to 400,000, according to the New York Times. The latter article also notes that men who question whether they are the biological father of the child they’re raising are in fact not the biological father about 30% of the time, which is a high percentage.

The AABB , an independent accreditation body for DNA testing, claims the number has surged to 500,000.  Most of these tests are requested by child support agencies.

The Bottom Line

Paternity tests are a useful tool for proving paternity in divorces and other legal cases and there are options for getting proof of paternity if the possible father isn’t available or willing to test.  If you are trying to determine paternity for legal matters, make sure you order a legal chain-of-custody test.

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

DNA Diagnostic Center is the world leader in paternity and relationship testing. We serve healthcare professionals, government agencies, and individuals around the world to determine family relationships with trusted accuracy.

More Questions? Don’t hesitate to call us: we’re here to help!