Free DNA Paternity Testing
Paternity testing is by far the most popular form of DNA testing being done today. Because of its 99.9%+ accuracy rating when it comes to proving or disproving paternity it is considered the absolute authority when questions about who is the real biological father arise. So how do you go about getting a paternity test, and are there any resources for obtaining free DNA paternity testing?
DNA paternity tests range from $115 - $2,000 depending on where and when you have it done. At-home tests usually cost the least, but many are not approved for use in a court of law. A normal paternity test based on DNA will cost about $250 at many local labs that are court-approved. If the test is being done before the child is born, the cost can be as high as $2,000 because of the delicate procedure required to extract DNA samples from the fetus. On overage, you should always plan to spend at least $250 for a paternity test.
Many of the at-home companies do provide free collection kits that can be used to collect hair samples or cheek cells for analysis. While this part of the test does not cost a lot, it is used by the at-home testing companies to generate business. They figure if they can get the supplies in your hand you are more likely to opt for the test. Of course, they aim this at “curiosity seekers” as many people involved with paternity cases involving the court will wait for instructions from the court on taking the test.
Some of the independent labs that do DNA testing have offered free testing to father's as gestures of goodwill. Most often these free offers take place near Father's Day in June and you must be near the location of the lab to participate. One such laboratory that participates in this promotion is DNA Diagnostics Center which is located in Fairfield , Ohio .
For most paternity testing situations you will want to use a laboratory that is certified and licensed. This is important because of privacy concerns and accuracy. Many of the labs located out of the country or offering prices “too good to be true” do not have in place privacy policies or proper handling procedures. They are merely trying to take advantage of the current interest in DNA testing and using their services may give you a lot more than you bargained for – incorrect results and the results being sold to other companies for profit.
If you want to establish paternity, but are not financially able to have the test performed, you should consult with your local division of family services or child support services that can often arrange for you to have the testing done if you pursue legal action against the father if the test returns a positive match.
Finally, remember that when it comes to legal matters the court are there to assist you when trying to establish paternity. Instead of relying on third-party companies for testing always consult with the court who can often provide a much more reliable, convenient and mandated method for doing the testing.