Need a legal paternity test for court or other official purposes? Bluestar Blood, Drug & Fingerprinting provides legal DNA paternity testing in Plano and Dallas, TX, with documented chain-of-custody procedures and testing performed through AABB-accredited laboratories.
Unlike a non-legal or peace-of-mind DNA test, a legal paternity test follows specific identification, specimen collection, and chain-of-custody procedures so the results can be used for applicable legal proceedings.
The test requires a buccal (cheek) swab from the alleged father and child. Collection is simple and typically takes approximately 30 minutes.
What Is a Legal Paternity Test?
A legal paternity test determines whether an alleged father is the biological father of a child while following documented chain-of-custody procedures.
The DNA samples are analyzed by an AABB-accredited laboratory, and the results are accompanied by the appropriate chain-of-custody documentation for legal use.
Legal paternity testing may be needed for matters involving:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Court proceedings
- Birth certificate matters
- Other situations requiring legally documented proof of biological paternity
How Does Legal DNA Paternity Testing Work?
DNA samples are collected using a buccal swab from inside the cheek of the alleged father and child.
The samples are collected and documented according to chain-of-custody requirements before being submitted to the laboratory for DNA analysis.
The DNA profiles are then compared to determine the probability of biological paternity.
How Accurate Is a Legal Paternity Test?
Your laboratory reports paternity results as either an exclusion or a probability of paternity. Bluestar's legal paternity testing can provide results showing 0.00% or 99.99% probability of paternity, depending on the findings.
How Long Do Legal Paternity Test Results Take?
Results are usually received within approximately 72 hours.
Your collection appointment itself takes approximately 30 minutes.
Legal vs. Non-Legal Paternity Testing
The major difference is the collection and documentation process.
A Legal DNA Paternity Test follows documented chain-of-custody procedures and is intended when results need to be used for legal purposes.
A Non-Legal DNA Paternity Test is intended for personal knowledge or peace of mind and does not include the same legal chain-of-custody process.
If you only want to know whether someone is the biological father and don't need the results for legal purposes, our Non-Legal DNA Paternity Test may be the more appropriate option.
How Much Does a Legal Paternity Test Cost?
The Legal DNA Paternity Test at Bluestar is $369.
Each additional child is $100.
Testing is available at our Plano and Dallas, Texas locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a legal paternity test near me?
Bluestar Blood, Drug & Fingerprinting provides legal DNA paternity testing at our Plano and Dallas, TX locations.
Can this DNA test be used for court?
This legal paternity test follows documented chain-of-custody procedures and is designed for situations requiring legally documented paternity results.
What type of DNA sample is collected?
A buccal or cheek swab is collected from the alleged father and child.
Does the mother need to participate?
This test can be performed using DNA from the alleged father and child. If testing includes the mother, Bluestar also offers a Legal Trio Paternity DNA Test.
How long does the appointment take?
The collection appointment typically takes approximately 30 minutes.
How quickly will I receive my results?
Results are usually received within approximately 72 hours.
Is the laboratory AABB accredited?
Bluestar's legal paternity testing is performed through AABB-accredited laboratories.
Schedule a Legal Paternity Test in Plano or Dallas
If you need a legal or court-admissible paternity test in Plano or Dallas, TX, schedule your DNA collection appointment with Bluestar Blood, Drug & Fingerprinting.