Legal DNA Testing

AABB Approved Testing – Fast Results – Low Prices

Our legal DNA test determine if two or more people are related with statistical probability and specific documentation that is court admissible.

We specialize in the following AABB accredited legal DNA tests:

All DNA tests performed for use by a government agency, or in a court case require a specialized collection process, a legal chain of custody for the DNA samples, and testing in an AABB accredited laboratory.

Legal Paternity and Relationship DNA Collections

AABB requirements for legal DNA collections require that the legal DNA kit not be in the possession of any party testing at any time. The requirements also state that the person doing the collection must meet one of the following criteria:

have performed DNA collections for at least one year
have received web-based training from the AABB for relationship collections;
have been trained either in person or with web based training from a DNA testing laboratory

A legal relationship DNA test is not difficult to perform. Journey Genetic Testing allows you the option of having each person whose DNA needs to be collected to schedule a time that is easiest for them. It is not necessary for each person to test at the same time, and people in different locations can have a legal DNA test done. We know that work schedules and life activities do not stop because a legal paternity test is needed. The entire process is described below.

The sample collection process must be performed by one of the following: a medical professional, a lawyer, or any third party trained DNA collector who is not related to you and who does not have an interest in the outcome of the testing).
The collector must verify the identity of those whom are testing by confirming legal identification (e.g. driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, etc.). A photocopy may be taken of this ID, or a photo taken of the person testing, or both depending on the DNA collector;
The person collecting the DNA sample(s)must sign the completed chain-of-custody document provided in their legal DNA collection kit ;
The DNA collector must seal the DNA specimen(s) in the container provided in the kit, sign the security seal, and overnight theDNA samples directly to the laboratory for testing.

Journey Genetic Testing will schedule an appointment for those participating in the test, and provide a legal collection kit, to the closest collection center based on the zip code(s) of those being tested.

We will provide you the name and location of the collection center once an order has been finalized and the appointment scheduled. This notification usually is emailed to you within 24 hours of your order, during regular business days. We cannot guarantee a collection center in every city, but we do work with a collection network of over 3,500 certified DNA collectors within the USA.

Legally Admissible and Defensible

Legally-admissible paternity tests are valid and defensible as evidence in child support cases, custody issues, parenting time agreements, and adoption cases—in all Superior Courts throughout the United States. The legal DNA report, which is notarized and signed by a laboratory Ph.D., is also accepted by most government, and private, agencies that require proof of paternity before granting certain benefits, such as Social Security survivor benefits, IRS tax benefits and proof of dependency, the U.S. Department of State and U.S.C.IS. (immigration), the U.S. Armed Forces (military benefits), as well as Native American tribal councils for tribal enrollment.

We make certain all legal DNA results are admissible and defensible in any court of law nationwide. We follow a very strict chain of custody to protect your rights and insure that testing results are court admissible. Our testing is 100% accurate, based on the samples received, and by employing rigorous quality control measures, including duplicate (double-blind) testing of all samples.

Legal DNA Documents and Results

For legally-admissible paternity tests, Journey Genetic Testing legal DNA test results include the following digital documents:

DNA Relationship Test Report. This document shows the laboratory results, including the genetic profiles of each test participant, the Combined Paternity Index/Combined Relationship Index and the Probability of Paternity/Relationship.

Sample Identification and Chain-of-Custody Records. These documents include copies of the photographs/photocopies, a copy of the client identification form with signatures of those testing (or authorized guardians), and the verification of, collection, packaging and receipt by the personnel who performed these steps. These digital documents will be provided upon request.

Explanation of Results. A detailed explanation regarding DNA testing and interpretation of the test results is included for paternity/maternity tests, as well as sibling, grandparent, and avuncular reports.

**Do I Need A Legal DNA Test?**

Listed below are some common legal reasons that our legal DNA test may used for:

Child Support – initiated either by the mother or father
Birth Certificate – name verification or change
Court Order – to be in compliance with a judge’s order
Child Custody – initiated either by the mother or father or legal guardian
Tax Forms – the IRS may request DNA verification for proof of dependency
Adoption – legal verification of the biological parent(s)
Will/Estate/Probate – identification of rightful biological heirs
Other Legal Reasons

In contrast to legally-admissible paternity tests, home DNA tests, sometimes called “peace of mind tests,” which include tests performed on samples collected using home DNA test kits, are generally not valid as evidence in a court of law or as official proof of family relationships. In most cases, this is because the samples are not collected under a strict chain of custody, by a neutral third party, so the origin of the samples cannot be verified.

if you think you might want to later present the results in court or to another government agency, corporate authority, or judicial officer, we suggest you consider have a legal DNA test done. If you only want the information for personal knowledge then we recommend a home DNA test.

Who Can Request A Legal DNA Test?

While some people can be legally required to take a DNA test, the person requesting the test must either be the child or suspected parent be able to show a suspected relationship between those who are being tested. The rules and regulations vary by state. If there are questions, a Journey Genetic Testing Consultant can assist. We cannot however provide specific legal advise or counsel.

Only certain specified persons have legal standing to request a court-ordered paternity test. These include:

Legally recognized mother or father
A person alleging that they are the biological parent of the child or expected child
The child, if they have reached the age of majority, or a minor child’s representative
Legal guardian or custodian (grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle)
An attorney or judge
Government social services worker

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