5 Reasons You Might Need a Paternity Test

Thanks to salacious television talk shows, the phrase “Who’s your daddy?” has become something of a joke. But for many people, determining paternity is a serious matter. While many people get a paternity test for peace of mind, there are several other reasons why someone might seek out this type of testing.

Here are five reasons that might cause you to require a paternity test.

Custody

Paternity tests play an important part in child custody cases, especially when the father wants to obtain the right to see the child. This usually happens when the mother believes the man is not the father of her child and she does not want to allow him to have visitation with the child.

If you recall, model Anna Nicole Smith was forced to submit to a DNA test by a former boyfriend, Larry Birkhead, to determine the paternity of her daughter even though she registered another man’s name as the child’s father on the birth certificate. The daughter turned out to be Birkhead’s child. He was ultimately granted full custody of the child due to Smith’s sudden death in 2007.

Child Support

A U.S. Census report estimates that just 43.5 percent of custodial parents get the full amount of support they’re entitled to. And more than 30 percent don’t receive anything at all. In many cases, it is because the male denies he is the biological father of the child or children that are to be supported.

A paternity test can ordered by a judge to hold these fathers accountable for the financial well-being of their children. It can also be used to help men avoid paying child support for children that turn out NOT to be their biological offspring.

Inheritance Rights

After someone dies and it is time to settle the estate, a paternity test can help determine the true and legal heirs. DNA testing can be useful in estate disputes involving estranged family members, such as when a wealthy individual dies without a will and an alleged child comes along to claim the inheritance. There have been many famous cases where the inheritance rights were in dispute, including soul singer James Brown, and even Elvis Presley, who was rumored to have fathered at least seven illegitimate children who required DNA testing to disprove their claims to his $250 million estate.

Benefits Rights

Like inheritance rights, sometimes heirs are entitled to other benefits such as social security or life insurance payouts. Occasionally, heirs will need to provide proof of paternity to be considered a legal beneficiary.

Citizenship Eligibility

When birth certificates or other forms of documentation are not available, DNA paternity testing can help prove a familial relationship in immigration cases. This is helpful when a child is born outside of the United States to an American citizen and a foreign national. If the child is proven to be related to the American, they would be eligible for citizenship.

Paternity Test Process

In many of these cases, you will need test results that will hold up in court. Any Lab Test Now® offers several types of paternity tests, including one that is eligible for use in legal disputes. Home tests and tests labeled “informational” will not be admissible in court.

Testing is simple. One of our highly skilled lab technicians will collect skin cell samples via a soft swab rubbed on the inside cheeks of the mouth to obtain DNA from the child and the alleged father. A sample from the mother is not required but can be useful. Test results are typically available within three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you perform a paternity test if the alleged father is deceased?

Yes, depending on the type of specimen available, or members of the family within the paternal line that are willing to participate in a DNA test.

Can you get a paternity test before the baby is born?

Yes. ANY LAB TEST NOW® offers a prenatal paternity test with no risk to the baby. It involves a simple blood draw from both the mother and alleged father.

The alleged father lives in a different state than the mother/child. Can you do the test even if he doesn’t live here?

Yes. We have over 220 locations nationwide and are able to easily facilitate specimen collections in other parts of the country.

Still have questions? Click here for more Q&A.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including determining paternity. Your privacy is our priority. We ensure that all tests are conducted in a secure and private environment. You will own your results and can use or share them at your discretion.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Relationship DNA Tests

A trend that’s been gaining popularity is DNA testing for genetic purposes. In fact, it’s so prevalent that, according to Statista, this is a $340 million industry. DNA testing gives you the ability to get genetic analysis for any number of reasons, including ancestry, ethnic heritage, or family relationships.

Buyer Beware

You may have heard of private companies like 23andMe or AncestryDNA that do genetic screenings to determine what part of the world your family is from by utilizing a customer’s voluntary collection. However, these tests are under scrutiny because participation with them may pose privacy risks.

Your Privacy Matters

Having genetic testing done at a private testing facility like Any Lab Test Now® ensures confidentiality and discreetness with medical professionals. We do not share your information; we know these are personal matters. You own the test results and may proceed with them according to your needs. Plus, having testing done at Any Lab Test Now® allows you to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

How Testing is Done

A DNA test at Any Lab Test Now® is a swab test done comparing samples to determine relationships. The lab can use algorithms to discover the possibility or probability of how people may be related at a certain level. There are any number of reasons that people get this testing done, but typically it’s for legal purposes, for example:

  • Immigration — in cases where documentation is limited, if there is any doubt, go with the DNA.
  • Custody agreements
  • Paternity for child support
  • Relationship proof for military benefits
  • Determining true tax dependents
  • Inheritance eligibility
  • Genetic origins

There are a number of reliable tests provided at Any Lab Test Now®. It’s important to note that we offer both “informational” tests and “legal” tests for the probability of a relationship. The difference between the two types of tests is that if you need to use the results for legal purposes, the “legal” test ensures that results will stand up in a court of law.

Relationship DNA Testing at Any Lab Test Now®.

First are our maternity and paternity tests. These are tests used when a person is attempting to seek or deny child support, child custody, or visitation; seek medical, social security, or military benefits; add or remove a name from the child’s birth certificate and/or Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity; immigration; and adoption.

  1. MATERNITY LEGAL this test compares the DNA of a child to the DNA of an Alleged Mother to determine the probability of maternity. This Chain of Custody DNA Maternity Test is legally admissible. It gives you an accurate determination (with an average probability of maternity of 99.9%) of who the child’s biological mother is.
  2. MATERNITY INFORMATIONAL A Maternity DNA Test compares the DNA of a child to the DNA of an Alleged Mother to determine the probability of maternity. This is not a legally formal test but informational only.
  3. PATERNITY LEGAL This test compares the DNA of a child to the DNA of an Alleged Father, and preferably the child’s mother, to determine the probability of paternity. It is legally admissible. The Chain of Custody DNA Paternity Test gives you an accurate determination (with an average probability of paternity of 99.9%) of who the child’s biological father is.
  4. PATERNITY INFORMATIONAL (NON-LEGAL) A Paternity DNA Test compares the DNA between an Alleged Father and one child. We prefer the child’s mother’s participation in the Paternity DNA Test since she contributed 50% of her DNA to the child. Informational Paternity Test results cannot be used for any type of legal purpose, such as adding or removing a father’s name from the child’s birth certificate, child support, visitation, or other types of verified situations. Instead, it may provide the answers you were seeking.
  5. GRANDPARENTAGE LEGAL A Grandpaternity DNA Test, also called a Grandparentage Test, compares the DNA from a child to his or her biological mother, as well as at least one biological paternal grandparent.  Since the alleged father inherited 1/2 of his DNA from his mother (grandmother) and 1/2 of his DNA from his father (grandfather), it is always preferable to include both biological grandparents in this type of DNA family relationship test. This is also legally admissible. With a DNA Grandpaternity Test, also known as a Grandparentage or Missing Parent Test, you can determine if a child is your biological grandchild or not. This test is an indirect way to determine a family relationship and is very useful when an alleged father is not available or unwilling to participate in a paternity test.
  6. GRANDPARENTAGE INFORMATIONAL (NON-LEGAL) A Grandpaternity DNA Test, also called a Grandparentage Test, is conducted in the same manner and is an indirect way to determine a family relationship. It is very useful when an alleged father is not available or unwilling to participate in a paternity test.
  1. GPS ORIGINS ANCESTRY TEST GPS (Geographic Population Structure) Origins will test for your story of human migration, your genetic origin percentages and history, and your ancestral migration routes and stories, all in digital form.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource for Improved Health

We have innovative testing designed to make your life easier. Whether you are interested in DNA testing for information or legal purposes, you can count on Any Lab Test Now® to provide a safe, confidential process to serve your needs. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

The Need to Know on DNA Testing

Thanks to a surge in the sales of pregnancy tests, couples could soon be asking an important question. Who’s the father? An estimated 300,000 paternity tests are performed in the United States every year. Thanks to improved testing and technology, men and women no longer need to leave the paternity of a child in question. DNA tests provide simplified answers to the fatherhood question.

Check out the facts:

  • Three percent of all fathers in the U.S. have no idea that a child they believe is their own is not their biological child. 
  • About one in three men who take a paternity test will discover they are not the biological father.
  • DNA tests, like those offered at Any Lab Test Now®, are 99.999 percent accurate.

Legally Admissible DNA Paternity Test

There are two kinds of paternity tests. The first is the legal forensic test, ordered by courts for child support and custody cases. One reason a court might order a DNA test is to rule out paternity fraud. This is when a woman intentionally leads a man into thinking that he is the father of her child, when in fact, she knows that he is not. Any Lab Test Now offers a Legally Admissible DNA Paternity Test. This test is required when a person attempts to seek or deny child support, child custody, or visitation; seek medical, social security. Or even receive military benefits; add or remove a name from the child’s birth certificate and/or voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, immigration, and adoption.

Informational Paternity

The second type of paternity testing is considered informational and cannot be used for a legal purpose. The Informational Paternity Test is discretionary and used for peace of mind. 

 

How Paternity Testing Works

The process is very simple and easy. For a Legally-Admissible Paternity Test, the father and child must come to the testing site in person. An Any Lab Test Now technician collects skin cells from the child and the alleged father from the inside of the mouth using a soft swab. The DNA of the potential father is analyzed to determine the probability that his genetic markers are found in the child. Test results are available in an average of three to five business days after specimens are collected from all tested parties.

For an Informational Paternity Test, participants have the option of in-person sampling or a home collection kit that can either be picked up at the lab location or purchased online. Once the kit arrives at your home, you can collect the samples yourself and ship them back to Any Lab Test Now for testing. 

Did You Know?

If the alleged father is deceased, Any Lab Test Now may still be able to help determine paternity. It will depend on the type of sample available or members of the alleged father’s bloodline who are willing to participate. This avenue is a blood sample that may have been collected by a medical examiner if an autopsy was performed. If no such samples are available, a specimen from a family member close to the alleged father, such as a biological brother, would also work.

Any Lab Test Now even offers an option for grandparents to help determine paternity with its Grandparentage test. This test is an indirect way to determine a family relationship and is very useful when an alleged father is unavailable or unwilling to participate in a paternity test.

Check out our FAQ page for answers to many frequently asked paternity questions.

DNA Testing is Easy 

Don’t let questions of genetic relationships remain unanswered. With Any Lab Test Now, you can rest easy knowing you’ve taken the proper paternity test for your needs. Your confidential results will be shared with you in a timely manner. 

Any Lab Test Now provides you with a safe and clean alternative location for lab work, including paternity testing. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Book an appointment online, or walk into an Any Lab Test Now location near you to find the answers to your paternity questions and ensure your child has a healthy future.

 

Paternity Testing and You

Confusion over paternity can inspire huge interpersonal conflicts, and potentially be devastating for the people involved. Except in situations of surrogate motherhood, one can be relatively certain that a mother who gives birth to a child is that child’s actual genetic mother. But it can be a bit trickier for fathers, and this can lead to a lot of discord. Instead of allowing the issue to drag on, causing undue damage to family bonds, allow Any Lab Test Now to quickly resolve questions of paternity with our paternity testing.

Since society first acquired the technology to test for blood type in the early 1900s, it had many applications,  including paternity testing. This antiquated method could only exclude a potential father, and was unable to conclude that an individual was the father of a child. As technology became more advanced, additional characteristics of the blood began to be used to augment the effectiveness of a paternity test. But it was not until techniques for DNA sequencing and analysis were invented that people could determine paternity with 99.99% accuracy. Since then, the technology has only become more refined, and people are able to use it to determine familial relationships between generations from the smallest scraps of genetic material.

Today, most people use paternity tests when there is a question of parentage from one or both presumed parents. In court, paternity tests can be used to support claims of parental rights and requests for child support, as well as help to settle child custody cases. But many people are also using paternity tests to help them locate their birth parents after they’ve discovered that they were adopted earlier in life. Either way, a DNA sequencing and analysis test can give parents and children clarity, certainty and peace of mind.

Whether you need a court-admissible document, need testing for immigration purposes or you are simply curious about your lineage, Any Lab Test Now offers quick, walk-in DNA and paternity testing. With Any Lab Test Now, you can rest easy knowing you’ve taken the right paternity test for your needs, and that your confidential results will be shared with you in a timely manner. Don’t let questions of genetic relationships remain unanswered. Visit your local Any Lab Test Now to find out the truth!

What Taxes & Paternity Tests Have In Common

Hey Dads! Are you giving the mother of your child financial support? If you answered yes, you should keep reading.

Tax season is right around the corner and one thing some men might overlook is the legality of claiming their children as dependents. If your name isn’t listed on the birth certificate you need to take some precautionary steps to protect yourself from this type of issue. If you are not legally listed as the father of your child, you cannot claim an exemption on your tax return.

Both parents cannot claim a child; it has to be one or the other. Some mother’s might believe that if the father supplies financial support, he can file an exemption too, but that is not the case.  Finding out this information when you go to file your taxes might be a surprise, but by taking precautionary steps in advance, you can avoid the situation. In most instances fathers have to prove that they are the paternal father, which is where we can help with our paternity tests.

At ANY LAB TEST NOW® we offer two types of paternity tests, but for this situation, you’ll need the legally admissible paternity test. Test results with proper chain-of-custody can be used as evidence for circumstances where you may:

  • Seek military benefits for the child
  • Seek child custody or custodial/visitation rights
  • Be asked to place a child up for adoption
  • Add or remove your name from the birth certificate

Give us a call today if you have any questions about our paternity tests or would like to schedule an appointment. You can also check out our Paternity eBook for more information.

Paternity Doubts?

Regardless of whether you are an alleged father, mother, child or grandparent, dealing with questionable paternity brings on a rollercoaster of emotions that have an impact on your everyday life. You may feel angry or disappointed. You may feel complete confusion, or even embarrassment. The last thing you want to feel is judged.

Feeling these types of emotions is normal, especially when your relationship with your child and even other family members, partners or friends, is in question.  Believe it or not, you are not alone. But, because you want the question to go away, the question running through your mind when you first make that step to know the truth is…“I just want to know.” You want the feelings and the cloud of doubt hanging over you to go away – NOW.  However before making the decision to get a paternity test done, it is important to step back and approach the situation with a clear mind.  What you do now may affect your, and most importantly, the child’s, future. The most important step to take before going through the test itself is to ask yourself, “Once I know…What am I ultimately going to do with the answer and test results?”.

The reason this step is so important is because there are two types of paternity tests. One type of DNA test is “informational”, also called a “peace of mind” DNA test or “self-collection kit.  Although the DNA testing process is the same as for a legally-admissible paternity test, described further below, there is no chain-of-custody or identification information.  As with kits purchased over-the-counter, there are also no guarantees on whose DNA is submitted if samples are not collected in front of each other.  This means the test results cannot be used for any other purpose than to let you know the answer to the paternity question.  That’s it – no names, no ID’s, nothing but a probability of paternity.

The most common type of paternity test is a Legally Admissible DNA Test. Remember that there are many factors that can change yours and the child’s lives after you have the test results that go beyond just knowing an answer.  Will you or did you complete the Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity at the time of the child’s birth?  You may need proper evidence to either add or remove your name in that case.  Are you going to utilize the results to change your child’s name on their birth certificate? Will you be asking for any kind of financial benefits, such as child support? Will you be seeking child custody, social security or military benefits? Then you need paternity test results that will be accepted as legal evidence. These test results not only clear you of doubts but also help you get the aid that you, your child and your family need.

Everyone’s situation and circumstance is a bit different. Either way, it is safe to say that the process can be no fun at all. For that reason, it is important to find a partner that will make the process go as simple and stress-free as possible. Whether you need legally admissible results or you just want peace of mind, ANY LAB TEST NOW®  is here to help you through this emotional time. We will guide you towards the right test for your particular situation in order for you to be able to take the necessary next steps. Best of all, you can get your results in an average of only 3 business days.

For additional information visit www.anylabtestnow.com or call your local ANY LAB TEST NOW® today! Don’t let a questionable paternity interfere with your relationships and daily life. The Truth is Waiting.

Texas Mistaken Paternity Law’s Deadline Around the Corner

Having a child is one of the most rewarding things in life. Sadly cases of mistaken paternity, where an individual is forced to take emotional and financial responsibility of a child that is not biologically theirs arise every day. In May 2011 Section 161.005 of the Texas Family Code was amended to allow any man to challenge the paternity of his child with a court admissible DNA test, regardless of how long ago he found out the child was not biologically his or had signed an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP).  If test results find the man not to be the biological father of the child, the court must terminate that person’s parent child relationship as well as their child support order.

This law, however, came with a deadline of September 1st, 2012. This deadline fast approaches with only 5 days left for fathers in Texas that suspect mistaken paternity to get a court admissible DNA test. Once the deadline has passed every father that suspects mistaken paternity has a total of 12 months from the date of discovery to file their petition to terminate parental rights along with child support orders.

Mistaken paternity can be a stressful and complicated process for all involved. If there are doubts present, getting a court admissible DNA test is the best option to begin the process. ANY LAB TEST NOW® offers this test for men that find themselves in this predicament.

Entities like TexasLawHelp.org and local family attorneys can provide you with additional information and instructions for filing a Termination of Mistaken Paternity petition. For information and details about the court admissible DNA test or to find your nearest ANY LAB TEST NOW® Texas location visit https://www.anylabtestnow.com/

Got a Refund? Get a Paternity Test

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 41% of all babies are born out-of-wedlock (2009).  This rate has been inching up year after year.  Unfortunately, this also results in more highly-emotional relationship situations between the mother, the alleged father and even their families when it comes time to establish paternity for the child, who is ultimately affected by his or her parents’ reactions and decisions.

When a mother or father inquires about a paternity test, they most commonly state they just want to know the answer, is he or is he not the father; and they want to know quickly.  Urgency is a given – these parents are dealing with so many emotions, ranging from anger to frustration to confusion to trying to decide whether or not they should bond with the baby yet.   Many purchase what is called an “informational paternity test” or “self-collection kit” because it is the cheapest.  Yet, is it the right test?

Here are the most common ways people ultimately use their paternity test results:

  • Seek or deny child support
  • Seek or deny child custody or visitation
  • Seek military, health insurance or social security benefits
  • Add or rescind a father’s name on the child’s birth certificate
  • Adoption

This is the sad part:  Parents buy the cheapest test, because it is what they can afford to answer their question.  Yet, does it?  No.  These test results cannot be used to solve the most common ways people use paternity test results!  In these instances, they must have a legally-admissible test result document – no other option.

It’s tough when you are a parent in this position; however, you have to get past the “I just want to know” and move towards what’s in the best interest of the child; how you and your family will be able to more quickly bond and develop a strong relationship with the baby when you know the answer; and relieving all of those emotions that ultimately show up when there are paternity questions.

If you didn’t have the money before, maybe now is the time.  Many people will be getting their tax refunds this quarter.  Consider investing in your child’s future and your peace of mind.  It is a priority.

Happy Mom and BabyTo learn more, download our free e-book, or contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW location.

Can You Establish Paternity For a Missing Father?

Paternity testing in the United States has become big business.  But why do so many people need it in the first place?  Most paternity testing is done for financial reasons to provide for a child’s basic needs.  The increasing number of out-of-wedlock births (nearly 41%) has put a huge burden on taxpayers who must provide welfare payments and food stamps to the single mothers and their children who are not able to support themselves or their children without the financial income of a second parent. We are all supporting these children.  The government has tried to curtail this expense by requiring that when a woman obtains public assistance for her child, she MUST name the possible fathers (Title IVD of the federal Social Security Act, Aid to Families with Dependent Children).   Improved technology has also made it more affordable and more reliable.   

Establishing paternity can be sticky enough without a missing or deceased, alleged father.  If a single, pregnant woman or a single mother hasn’t been able to or hasn’t wanted to have the child’s father named and tested, it may seem that it’s too late when he’s out of the picture.   The good news is that it isn’t too late and there are other testing options to formally have a man listed as the child’s father.  Although it is too late to have the father provide child support, there are still ways that having the father identified can help to support the child. 

To obtain social security or military death benefits, insurance benefits or settle an inheritance claim there are several methods for determining paternity:

Paternity Test Using a Blood Sample or Blood Stain Card: The specimen may be a blood sample or blood stain card from the medical examiner, or a specimen collected immediately after the time of death.  The ability to maintain chain-of-custody for the alleged father’s sample is critical for seeking social security benefits.

Grandpaternity Test: This test compares genetic information collected from samples obtained from the mother, child and paternal grandmother and grandfather.

Y Chromosome Test: This test can be used if the child is male, and if there is another immediate, male family member related to the alleged father.  The biological, paternal family member may be a brother, grandfather or another male that shares the same paternal lineage. A Y Chromosome Test is more robust and better accepted if combined with another type of DNA family relationship test.

ANY LAB TEST NOW®‘s DNA testing options provide confidential, accurate tests along with chain-of-custody documentation that is legally admissible in court.  The ability to provide children with financial support that they are entitled to can make a very real difference in their long-term ability to complete school and be a working, contributing member of society.