There are two very different types of DNA paternity testing, and making the wrong choice in which type of paternity testing to use can be the difference between having to go through the entire process over again and again but under the correct type of paternity testing. Whether you are in search of your own peace of mind or you require results that will stand the test of a court of law, knowing the difference between legal testing and non-legal testing before you can place an order saves you time, money and frustration. We shall simplify it and make it plain.
What Is the Difference between Legal and Non-Legal DNA Paternity Testing?
The distinction between home vs legal DNA tests all boils down to one thing, how the sample is collected and documented. The laboratory science behind both tests is the same - both test the same genetic markers and have the same 99.9%+ accuracy on biological fatherhood.A legal paternity test conducted under proper chain-of-custody procedures is required for the results to be admissible in court. If you’re considering a court-approved DNA testing service, it’s important to choose a provider that follows strict chain-of-custody protocols. An at-home genetic test that does not have legal status gives the correct personal information but has no legal status irrespective of the outcome of the test.
What do you mean by a DNA Test being Legally Admissible in Court?
The use of legal paternity test in the court is admissible due to three fundamental conditions that the at-home testing cannot meet. First, the identity of all parties should be verified with the help of the identification issued by governments at the time of sample collection. Second, the collection of samples should be conducted by a trained, neutral third party professional - not the people being tested. Third, all the stages of the process should be properly written down in a written form, making the chain of custody document that the courts will need before recognizing DNA evidence as valid evidence of biological relationship. A home paternity test kit does not meet any of these legal requirements. The issue is not accuracy, but the lack of verified collection and documentation.
What Effect Does Chain of Custody Have on the Validity of a Legal DNA Test?
Chain of custody refers to the written account or record that traces a DNA sample to the point of its collection and then through laboratory analysis and subsequent reporting. It forms the basis of all legally admissible DNA paternity testing outcomes.
- All individuals that touch the sample are identified and recorded - the collection professional to the analyst at the laboratory that will test the contents of the DNA collection kit.
- Before any sample is taken, the identity of each tested person is verified by government-issued photo identification before any sample is collected - confirming that the DNA belongs to who the documentation says it is.
- A tamper-evident, sealed packaging is employed during transport - so that the sample cannot be modified, replaced, or contaminated between collection and laboratory processing.
- Any interruption in the chain of custody, even an illegal transfer, may make the results inadmissible in court and compel the entire testing process to restart. This is why choosing a legally compliant facility like Face DNA is critical to ensure proper documentation, verified sample handling, and court-admissible results from the start.
And even the most correct answer to the question courts require answered would be powerless without this documented chain, which would prove that I am able to say that this sample actually came out of this particular person on this particular date.
Is It Possible to Use At-Home DNA Tests in a Court of Law?
No, and this is the most significant point to any person who may have a question about whether a home DNA test can be incorrect when used in a court of law. It is not the accuracy of the results of home DNA tests. A home DNA paternity test kit processed in an accredited lab can provide scientifically accurate results. Accuracy and admissibility are however two different things altogether. The genetic test results performed at home are not accepted by the courts since there is no verified document on the person who conducted the genetic tests, the conditions under which they were done, and whether the samples were handled properly before reaching the laboratory.
Assuming you search where to buy DNA paternity test kits near you, and buy an over-the-counter kit, those results are only suitable to personal knowledge. Once legal proceedings are involved such as child support, custody, immigration, or inheritance, a properly administered legal paternity test becomes the only valid option.
Conclusion
When legal recognition is required, choosing a properly administered test that follows strict chain-of-custody procedures is essential to ensure your results are accepted without complications. Working with a qualified and legally compliant DNA testing provider ensures accurate results and proper legal recognition, whether for personal clarity or court-admissible purposes.
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