Common Reasons Families Need Legal DNA Testing

Legal DNA testing is requested for many different legal situations. Understanding the purpose of testing helps determine which relationship test should be performed.

Common legal uses include:

• Child Support

• Child Custody

• Parenting Time

• Birth Certificate Amendments

• Certificate of Parentage

• Court Orders

• Estate Administration

• Probate Matters

• Social Security Benefits

• Immigration DNA Testing requested by USCIS or a U.S. Embassy

Although the laboratory process is similar, the legal purpose of testing determines how the case is documented and how results are used.

How Legal DNA Testing Works

The legal DNA testing process follows standardized collection procedures designed to preserve sample integrity and participant identity.

Step 1 — Consultation

A DNA consultant reviews your situation to determine the appropriate legal relationship test.

Step 2 — Appointment Scheduling

Contact our office at 866- Appointments are scheduled at facility .

Step 3 — Identity Verification

Each participant presents valid government-issued identification before sample collection.

Step 4 — DNA Sample Collection

A trained specimen collector obtains cheek swab samples and completes the required chain-of-custody documentation.

Step 5 — Laboratory Analysis

Samples are securely shipped to our partner AABB-accredited laboratory for genetic analysis.

Step 6 — Results

Once laboratory analysis is complete, results are issued according to the requirements of your case.

Why Chain of Custody Matters

Chain of custody is the documented process that tracks every DNA sample from collection through laboratory analysis.

Proper chain-of-custody procedures include:

• Identity verification

• Participant photographs when required

• Signed consent forms

• Documented sample collection

• Secure specimen packaging

• Laboratory tracking

Without documented chain of custody, DNA results from an at-home collection generally are not suitable for legal proceedings.