When a family faces a legal disagreement regarding the paternity of their child, reliable and accurate proof becomes mandatory. To settle legal matters like child support, concrete evidence of family links is required. This is why many families choose a legal DNA paternity test as an admissible proof of paternity that is trusted by the law.
What Makes a Paternity Test “Legal”?
The main difference between a usual and a legal DNA is how the sample collection procedure is handled. A regular “Peace of Mind” test is just for personal information. In those cases, sample collection can be done at home via online kits, or a lab expert will collect samples. It’s because the reports of such tests aren’t used in official cases.
However, a legal paternity test requires court-approved genetic evidence. For this reason, it follows a special procedure, called Chain of Custody, to ensure the results are accurate, reliable, and admissible in legal disputes.
Chain of Custody Process
The most important part of a legal test is the “Chain of Custody.” This is a set of strict rules used to track the DNA samples from the moment they are taken until the final report is written.
- Verified Identity: Everyone taking the test must show a government-issued ID to prove that the right individuals are present during the test.
- Sample Collection: The lab expert collects DNA samples from the individuals involved in the test under the supervision of a court-appointed representative.
- Tamper-Proof Sealing: The samples are securely sealed to avoid tampering and contamination.
- Secure Transport: The samples are then sent directly to the lab, where the experts examine and compare them to find the potential genetic match.
When Do Families Need a Paternity Test For Court?
There are several serious situations where an honorable hearing judge will ask for biological proof of a family relationship. In these cases, only an admissible report will be accepted to protect the rights of the child and the parents.
1. Child Custody and Support
In many legal battles, a parent may need to prove paternity to claim custody or to ensure a child receives financial support. A legal paternity DNA test in India provides the scientific evidence needed to make these life-changing decisions.
2. Inheritance and Property Claims
Disputes related to family asset inheritance often arise in families. If a biological link is questioned in such matters, a legal test can settle the matter by proving whether a claimant is a rightful heir.
3. Family Reunification
Sometimes, when a father wants to sponsor his child for a visa to live in another country, the primary documents, like birth certificates, are not enough. Embassies may require a specialized DNA test to confirm the family tie before they approve the application.
4. Updating Official Documents
An adopted child who later wishes to reunite with their biological father can request to change their father’s name on the birth certificate. It also requires legal protocols, where a court-admissible paternity evidence is submitted to legally change the father’s name on the birth certificate of the child.
5. Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test
It’s a process of establishing the paternity of an unborn child with the alleged father. In many cases, families often choose a non-invasive prenatal paternity test to ensure the legal and future financial security of their unborn baby.
The Procedure of Legal Paternity Test
Getting a DNA test is much simpler than most people think. It does not involve long needles or painful surgeries. Instead, it uses modern technology to get answers quickly and safely.
Collecting the Samples – The professional collector uses a “buccal swab,” which looks like a long cotton bud. They rub the swab against the inside of the cheek to collect skin cells. This is completely painless and safe for people of all ages, including newborn babies.
Analyzing the DNA – Once the samples reach the lab, experts look at specific markers in the DNA. By comparing the markers of the child to those of the alleged father, they can determine if a biological match exists.
Receiving the Results – For a court-admissible paternity test, the final report is handled with extra care. To keep the information private and prevent any changes to the results, the lab sends the report directly to the hearing judge’s office. The individuals who took the test do not receive the report at their home address.
DNA Forensics Laboratory – A Reliable Lab for Legal DNA Tests
The DNA Forensics Laboratory, also known as DFL, is a leading choice for legal matters. It is currently the only private company in the country whose DNA reports are accepted in honorable courts of law. They have over 400 sample collection centers worldwide.
Besides, DFL is the only private DNA testing company in India whose DNA test reports are legally admissible in the honorable courts of law.
Accreditations are like “quality stamps” that demonstrate the high standards of a lab. DFL holds the following accreditations:
- NABL: This is the most important board in India for checking the quality and accuracy of labs.
- ISO 15189: This ensures the lab meets international requirements for medical testing.
- ILAC-MRA: This helps the lab’s reports be recognized in other countries.
Understanding the Costs
Below are the estimated costs for the different types of tests available:
- Peace of Mind (Personal): 14,160 INR to 21,240 INR
- Legal Paternity (Court): 35,400 INR
- Non-invasive Prenatal Paternity: 1,20,000 INR
Note: Prices are subject to change based on the number of individuals involved or specific legal requirements.
Safety & Legal Rules
While DNA tests are very powerful, there are still certain legal regulations. For example, when a test is done during pregnancy (prenatal testing), it is strictly for establishing paternity. It is illegal to use such tests to find out the gender before the birth of the baby.
Additionally, all information is kept confidential in the DNA Forensics Laboratory. The lab ensures that your private genetic data and the results of the test are never shared with anyone other than the individuals involved in that test.
For more information or to book a DNA test, call us at +91 8010177771 or WhatsApp us at +91 9266615552.
Final Words
By following the chain of custody and using a NABL-accredited lab, parents can ensure their rights and the rights of their children are protected by the law. A legal DNA paternity test is the most reliable way to provide the evidence the honorable courts need to make a fair and final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does a legal paternity test take?
Ans: A legal paternity test can take a while, as there are legal paperwork formalities involved in this test. Moreover, since this test is done under the supervision of a court-appointed representative, a thorough verification of the individuals is done.
Q2. How is a legal paternity test done?
Ans: Initially, a court-appointed representative verifies the identities of the individuals involved in the test. Then the DNA samples are collected from the individuals, securely sealed in a tamper-proof package, and securely sent to the lab for further processing.
Q3. Where to get a legal paternity test?
Ans: Call the experts at DNA Forensics Laboratory and schedule an appointment for your DNA sample collection.
Q4. Are paternity tests legal in India?
Ans: Yes. Paternity tests are absolutely legal in India, and they’re widely performed during personal or legal disputes.
Q5. How much does a legal paternity test cost?
Ans: The cost of a legal paternity test depends on several factors, such as the number of people involved in the test, special procedures, and the express delivery of the report.
