Legal Dna Paternity Testing | Court Admissible Dna Test | Legal Dna Test

Legal vs Home DNA Paternity Test

There may be a variety of different reasons for carrying out a Paternity DNA Testing
. At the most basic level a paternity DNA test is used to establish in a scientific manner whether an alleged father is indeed the biological father of the child. Through the comparison of the DNA profiles of the child with that of the alleged father, one is now able to establish with levels of probability that can be as high as 99.99% whether a biological relationship exists between an alleged father and the child, thus making DNA testing highly efficient and reliable.

Home DNA Paternity Test

Advances in DNA testing technology have now enabled paternity DNA tests to be carried out on samples of saliva, and for the consumer this has meant that DNA paternity tests can now be carried out in the comfort of one’s own home. In fact, whereas until recently, in order to perform a DNA paternity test, one had to visit a laboratory or a clinic, and have a blood sample taken, nowadays it is possible to carry out a paternity test using oral swabs that need to be simply rubbed along the inside of the mouth and the cheek. The samples are then left to dry and mailed back to the laboratory for analysis.

This kind of test is called a home paternity DNA test, and is very useful when one needs to have quick, reliable answers to paternity issues to satisfy one’s own need to know. If, however one needs to use these results for legal matters, such as legal recognition of a child as being one’s own, petitioning for child support and matters relating to immigration, one needs to order what is called a legal paternity test.

Legal DNA Paternity Test

In essence, a legal paternity test is a test in which the DNA samples are collected by an independent third party who becomes responsible for confirming the identities of the persons who are taking part in the test and assumes general responsibility for assuring that the DNA samples are not in any way tampered with. Therefore whilst in a home paternity DNA test, samples are usually collected by the participants themselves in their own home environment, a legal DNA paternity test usually necessitates a visit to a clinic or laboratory where the specialist will collect the samples.

Chain of Custody

This procedure is called maintaining the ‘chain of custody’, and is necessary in order to ensure that the test results are reliable, valid and that this fact can be witnessed by an independent third party. For this reason, results of a home DNA paternity test cannot be used in a court of law, because there is no way of proving without doubt that the persons participating in the test on paper are indeed the same persons who have provided the DNA samples. So, for example, a person who does not wish to provide child support may send a sample from another person instead of his own, using a home DNA paternity test. For this reason, the results of a home DNA paternity test can be used for ‘informational’ purposes only.

How the DNA test works

It is important to note that technically speaking, a home paternityDNA Testing for Immigration is identical to a legal paternity DNA test, and that the difference between the two tests lies exclusively in the method of collection of the samples. In both cases the DNA of the child is compared to that of the father, to check for correspondence in the genetic markers. If a large enough number of genetic markers are found to be in common, the alleged father is confirmed as being the genetic father of the child. Modern DNA paternity tests are extremely accurate and reliable, and can confirm paternity with levels of probability greater that 99.99%.

http://www.homednadirect.co.uk

Want to Live an Extra 10 Years?

Paternity Testing on Absent Fathers

DNA testing is one of the most conclusive ways available to determine paternity of any given child. By taking a sample of DNA from both the alleged father and from the child in question, high-tech DNA profiling techniques are used to match reference points across genetic markers on both samples which can lead to an accurate determination of where a genetic relationship exists.

In an ideal world, paternity testing would have available both a sample from the child and from his alleged father in order to best establish the link between them. However, in some DNA paternity testing cases the father is not available to give his DNA sample, whether through choice, or unavailability for some other reason. However, where the father is absent, it is still possible to use other DNA tests to determine whether a relationship exists.

DNA Testing on Other Direct Relatives

By performing DNA testing with other members of the family that share some of the same genes with the alleged father, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a likelihood of paternity over the child in question. Obviously the father’s sample is desired for reasons of accuracy and conclusivity, however it is more than possible (particularly with advancing testing technologies) to be able to determine paternity through shared genetic material through more distant relatives to the father. In other words, provided a relative of the alleged father is available for DNA testing, you should be able to obtain some results although this may not always be conclusive.

DNA Testing on Grandparents

In the absence of the alleged father or any separate sample of his DNA, the alleged paternal grandparents can provide the key to establishing paternity. By taking a sample from either one or both the grandmother and grandfather of the baby, it is possible to determine even in the absence of the father whether or not there is shared genetic material and consequently whether or not there is a shared relationship, i.e. parentage.

DNA Testing on Male Relatives

Y-STR testing is one of the most innovative DNA testing methods honed in recent years, tracking down the male-only Y- chromosome to establish genetic links between male children and elder vertical male relatives, for example grandfathers, great grandfathers, even great uncles by blood relationships. This can be particularly handy where the father is unavailable and direct elderly relatives have died, given that a great deal of genetic material passes unmutated from father to son throughout generations. Of course, this is however absolutely of no use for DNA testing of female children.

DNA Testing on Siblings

Alternatively siblings can also provide a close genetic match, which makes it possible to test whether or not two children are related by the whole blood, rather than half. Where there is dispute over the potential father of a child, an alleged sibling’s sample can be a good way to compare DNA to determine the extent of the relationship. The same can be said for brothers and sisters of the alleged father, who can also share some genetic material sufficient to provide a result in DNA testing of the child in question,

If your situation requires is such that you require to do the DNA testing through one of the alternatives above, it is always advisable to contact in advance the company who will be performing the DNA test and explain your case in full so that they can advise you on the DNA testing options available as well the results that can be obtained.

Want to Live an Extra 10 Years?

Paternity Testing 101: a Simple Guide for a Complex Procedure

In movies and soap operas, paternity tests are often carried out in the direst of circumstances.  In reality, paternity tests are quietly carried out in many homes around the world, confirming or denying what families have suspected.  Whether the paternity testing has destroyed a family, or brought it closer together, it will certainly bring the truth to light.

A paternity test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can be used to determine who the biological parents are.  There are many reasons why you might need to carry out paternity testing.  Peace of mind is the most often cited reason for seeking out DNA tests to determine the father of a child.  If the mother of the child has been intimate with more than one man, or is suspected of infidelity, the only way to determine who fathered the child is through DNA testing.

Paternity tests: where to start

Once you have made the decision to have paternity testing done, you need to determine the company you feel most supportive working with.  If you need paternity tests done, you can start with some simple searches online.  Equip yourself with knowledge about the procedure, the methods to test and the possible legal ramifications.  If you feel to you can talk to your GP about the tests and what will be required.

Taking the tests: what do you need

Once you have carefully considered the possibilities, it’s time to take action.  If you will be needing the test results in legal proceedings, you will need to go to a certified lab.  While lab tests can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand, these results are considered to be official and can be used in court.  If you are unsure that the results will bring a need for legal action, you can consider ordering an at home test online.  Thanks to developments in the world of medicine and science, paternity testing is very easy.  All accredited labs should provide 99.99% accurate tests online that can be taken at home or for legal use.  A few clicks of a mouse and your home paternity testing kit will be on its way via express mail.

The aftermath: getting support

Whatever method of testing you chose, the chances are you will have to wait 5-10 days (in many cases more).  This can be a trying time for even the most trusting of people.  While you might have initially only been acting on a hunch, the next few days can be difficult as you try to figure out what will happen if the tests come back negative. Our advice is to try not to let your mind carry you away.

It’s during this time that people often start seeking legal advice.  What recourse will you have if it turns out that in fact little John or Sarah is not your child.  What will this mean for you happy little family?  The answers are not clear-cut, and every situation is different.  It can’t hurt to schedule an appointment with a lawyer to discuss your options.  While you are scheduling appointments, a trained counselor might also be a good idea.  Gain some insight into what caused the situation, and how you are feeling about it, before you need to break the news to often, completely unsuspecting family members.

By getting a paternity test, you are taking your future into your own hands.  Erase all doubt about the paternity of a child within a few short weeks.  The peace of mind that follows this difficult decision is fact.  But do remember to make sure that the DNA Test is in the best interest of the child.

Want to Live an Extra 10 Years?

Dna Paternity Testing of Related Potential Fathers

DNA paternity testing of related potential fathers is not uncommon, although paternity in such cases is more difficult to prove beyond doubt. It is frequently possible if the relationship is known prior to testing, though in some such cases other evidence is generally required before paternity can be legally ascertained.

While positive DNA tests can be accepted as positive evidence of paternity in the vast majority of cases due the statistical improbability of potential fathers having the same DNA profiles, the situation is complicated if the possible fathers are related. It isn’t uncommon for brothers to be involved in a parentage dispute, or even for the mother to have the DNA test carried out privately to determine which is the father of her child.

In normal paternity disputes, whether or not DNA profiling is acceptable as the sole evidence depends upon the circumstances of the case, and it is generally wise to be able to prove the likelihood, or even just the possibility, of the mother and the possible father coming into contact with one another. In Islamic law a paternity test is not sufficient, and other evidence, preferably that of witnesses, is necessary.

The Legal Aspects

Where DNA paternity testing is to be used in evidence, courts will generally insist on a legal paternity test where the collection of the sampling is carried out by an authorized professional and the identity of the subject legally determined. Home DNA testing, or DNA tests on samples presented by the subject, is not admissible as evidence. The probability of paternity accepted as definitive proof varies from state to state, although a probability of 99% would seem reasonable where there is no doubt as to the source of the sample, and where no complications such as rape are involved.

The fact that parentage has been discounted in 99 men in 100 is a more positive identification of the father where there are limited possibilities than were the father potentially any individual in the general population such as occurs with rape. In that case a probability of 99.9% or higher would be more definite, together with additional proof of the likelihood of the suspect being in the vicinity.

Such probability is determined largely by the accuracy of the test that depends upon both the way it is carried out and the number of DNA indicators used (a good average would be 16), and is frequently as high as 99.99% or more. It also depends on whether the sample of the Mother is included in the testing or not, as this will help to obtain a much higher level of probability.

Common DNA between Family Members

DNA tests on related potential fathers are no different from those carried out on any other subject: it is the results that could potentially create problems. Take the case of first cousins: they share 12.5% of their DNA and so it will be more difficult to prove parentage. This sharing of DNA increases to 25% for uncles, nephews and half-brothers, and to 50% for sons, fathers and brothers of the person being tested.

DNA paternity testing on different members of the same family is not an uncommon situation, and can occur for a number of reasons, including:

a) Parentage of pregnancies arising from consensual and non-consensual relationships, although the former is by far the more common of the two.
b) Two family members each claiming parentage, whether or not the mother is claiming one or neither to be the father.
c) A brother desiring confirmation that he is the parent.
d) The mother, or potential mother, having a private test to assure herself as to who is the father.
e) A grown child confirming parentage, particularly where an inheritance could be involved.

There are others, but these are common reasons for legal and home DNA tests being carried out where potential fathers could be related. Standard DNA paternity testing statistics are based upon unrelated members of the public, and unless the laboratory carrying out the DNA testing has been informed of the relationship, the test results could be misinterpreted.

The Case of Identical Twins

Nevertheless, it is possible to test additional DNA markers if any of the above relationships are known, but not in one specific case. This is the case of identical twins. Normal twins occur when two eggs are fertilized by two sperm, and are no more alike genetically than were they siblings born years apart. Identical twins, however, are formed when one egg is fertilized by one sperm and then splits into two halves within the first 14 days for no known reason.

These twins share an identical genetic make-up and so their DNA is identical and indistinguishable from one another. There is no test that can determine which is the biological father of a child. Unless one is excluded for some reason, either could be the father and that is all that DNA testing can prove. The court would have to disregard DNA results and use other means to determine paternity.

Old-fashioned policing, therefore, still has a part to play where the related potential fathers are identical twins. Apart from this specific case, DNA paternity tests are not entirely foolproof since they rely on probability, but are virtually conclusive where you simply want confirmation of paternity. In such a case, a likelihood of 1 in a 1000 is a virtual certainty and where confirmation is required between a limited number of candidates, a 99.9% DNA genetic testing result is legal confirmation.

Want to Live an Extra 10 Years?