LEGAL PATERNITY TESTING IN NEW JERSEY
Are you uncertain whether a child is yours? Or perhaps a woman recently informed you that her child may be yours and you would like to establish paternity. A Legal Paternity Test is the most reliable and legally admissible method for determining whether an alleged father and child are biologically related in the State of New Jersey.
Legal Paternity Testing is a DNA relationship test used to determine whether an alleged father is the biological father of a child. All DNA samples are collected under a documented chain-of-custody process and tested by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory. When proper collection and documentation procedures are followed, the results may be used for legal purposes, including family court matters, birth certificate amendments, Social Security benefit claims, and other situations that require legally admissible DNA evidence.
Common legal paternity testing use cases include:
- Child support cases
- Child custody cases
- Social Security Benefits
- Adding a father’s name to a child birth certificate
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Estate cases
IDTO DNA Testing Center has more than 22 years of experience providing relationship DNA testing services nationwide. Our focus is to provide fast, accurate, and reliable legal paternity testing while maintaining professional communication throughout the entire process. We help clients avoid confusion, unnecessary delays, and weeks of uncertainty by providing clear guidance before, during, and after the DNA testing process.
How much does a legal paternity test cost in New Jersey?
Legal paternity testing starts at $375.00. Please note: sample collection fees are additional and vary by location. Learn more about legal paternity testing costs here.
Our Office Hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday thru Friday and Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm (Mobile Collections Only).
Where can I go to get a legal paternity test done?
Contact our office today at 888-204-0583 to schedule your legal DNA testing appointment.
IDTO DNA has over 3,000 DNA sample collection sites nationwide located near most major cities, making the appointment process fast, convenient, and accessible for families throughout the United States. Below are areas we service in New Jersey.
How will my DNA samples be collected in New Jersey?
The standard method of DNA sample collection for New Jersey residents is a simple cheek swab. During the collection process, a cotton swab is gently rubbed against the inside of the participant’s cheek to collect DNA cells for laboratory analysis.
Alternative DNA sample collection methods, such as blood samples, may be available in certain situations. However, blood samples do not provide greater accuracy than a cheek swab. Both specimen types can produce the same accurate DNA test results when properly collected and analyzed.
Most clients choose the cheek swab method because it is quick, non-invasive, painless, and cost-effective.
What identification do I need to bring to my DNA collection appointment in New Jersey?
All participants involved in the DNA test must present valid government-issued identification at the time of sample collection. This requirement applies to both legal and non-legal DNA testing services performed at our office or at a mobile collection appointment.
Children under the age of 18 who do not have government-issued identification may use a birth certificate, passport, or other acceptable form of identification. All adults participating in a legal DNA test must present valid government-issued photo identification at the time of collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive my DNA results in New Jersey?
The turnaround time for results is 2 to 3 business days from the date the laboratory receives all DNA samples. Upon the completion of your analysis, a copy of your results will be mailed to your home and an additional copy will be emailed to you.
Please note, same-day DNA testing is not offered for legal DNA testing services. Same-day DNA testing service can be used for our non-legal DNA testing services. Call 888-204-0583 to learn more about this service.
Is legal paternity testing accurate in NJ?
Yes. Legal paternity testing is highly accurate because the laboratory compares specific genetic markers inherited from biological parents. When proper chain-of-custody procedures and accredited laboratory testing standards are followed, DNA testing provides highly reliable results.
All legal DNA tests are performed through our partner AABB-accredited laboratory. This accreditation helps ensure the DNA test results are recognized by family courts, immigration agencies, and government institutions nationwide.
Our partner laboratory analyzes between 18 and 22 genetic markers during the paternity testing process to determine the probability of a biological relationship. Inclusion results commonly produce a probability of paternity of 99.99% or higher.
In exclusion cases, additional extended DNA analysis may be performed using up to 27 genetic markers to help determine whether the tested individuals are biologically unrelated.
Can DNA testing be performed if a father or child lives in another state?
Yes. IDTO DNA can schedule an appointment for another party residing in another state providing we have facility nearby the other party.
Do I need an attorney to perform a legal paternity test?
No. You do not need an attorney to perform a legal paternity test when all required parties voluntarily agree to participate in the DNA testing process.
For children under the age of 18, the child’s mother or legal guardian must typically consent to the testing. When all participants agree, a legal paternity test can be scheduled without the involvement of an attorney.
In situations where one or more parties refuse to participate, a court order may be required before testing can proceed. In those circumstances, individuals often seek legal advice or assistance from an attorney regarding their options.
Can alternative DNA specimens be used for legal DNA testing in New Jersey?
In certain circumstances, alternative DNA specimens such as hair follicles or forensic bone samples may be accepted for legal paternity testing when authorized by a court order and approved by the laboratory.
Forensic samples such as toothbrushes, earwax, cigarette butts, and other items submitted directly by private individuals are generally not accepted for legal paternity testing purposes.
To maintain legally admissible results, all DNA specimens must remain under a documented chain of custody. In most cases, the specimen must be collected, retained, and released by a coroner’s office, hospital, funeral home, medical examiner’s office, or another authorized third-party institution. Samples submitted directly by private individuals generally do not satisfy legal chain-of-custody requirements.
Contact one of our DNA Consultants at 888-204-0583 to discuss your specific circumstances and available testing options.
Why Choose IDTO DNA?
IDTO DNA is BBB accredited company who continue to serve thousands of families in New Jersey and nationwide with their legal paternity testing needs. Since 2004, we have been a trusted source for both legal and medical professionals seeking reliable DNA testing for their clients.
Our knowledgeable staff will guide you in selecting the right type of genetic test for your specific situation. This careful attention helps prevent ordering the wrong relationship test and avoids the need to pay for additional testing.
