What is The Process For Court-Ordered DNA Testing in New Jersey Family Courts?

Are you involved in a paternity establishment or child support case in New Jersey family court? Whether you’re an unmarried parent seeking to establish legal paternity or a party in a child support proceeding, here’s what to expect from the court-ordered DNA testing process.

  • 1.The unmarried alleged father or the mother must file a paternity petition aka Certification in Support of Establishing Paternity (CN 11492). This form is used to request the court to establish legal paternity in New Jersey.
  • In child support enforcement cases, this process may be initiated by the New Jersey Division of Family Development (DFD) on behalf of the state rather than by either parent directly.
  • 2. A confidential litigant information sheet must also be filed along with CN 11492 form mentioned above.
  • 3. Once the above documents are filed and have been accepted by a family court judge or magistrate. A court order to appear will be issued to the defendant (respondent) to appear in court. Depending on your specific situation surrounding your case a judge will issue a court order for paternity test to be performed to establish the paternity of the child.

Note: The information provided in this post is for informational purpose only and should not be viewed as legal advice. Before starting the establishment of paternity process we recommend you speak with a family law attorney regarding New Jersey’s paternity establishment laws.

What Court Order DNA Testing Exist?

There is one way to approach getting a DNA test issued through the courts mentioned above but there are two possible ways this can be performed.

1. State Paid Option:

A court order is issued to perform a DNA paternity test through family court. This option means the state of New Jersey will pay for DNA testing entirely or there may be a small monetary cost. The judge will instruct you where to perform your DNA sample collection within the courthouse. The process will take weeks or months for the results to be completed due to case and testing backlog.

2. Out of Pocket Option

When a court order is issued and the defendant/respondent (alleged father), mother or both are required to pay out of pocket cost for your paternity test. The turnaround time for results is 2 to 3 business days from the date the lab receives all DNA samples.

How much does a court admissible paternity test cost in New Jersey?

Pricing for a court admissible paternity test starts at $375.00. Call IDTO DNA at 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment today.

Please note: All DNA samples are performed by our partner AABB accredited laboratory. The accreditation ensures the results will be recognized by Family Court throughout all jurisdictions in the state of New Jersey.

What happens after the judge receives my DNA test results?

Once family court receives your DNA test results a hearing will be scheduled for the judge to issue a ruling based on the results. Below are the possible outcomes that may occur.

Once family court receives your DNA test results a hearing will be scheduled for the judge to issue a ruling based on the results. Below are the possible outcomes that may occur.

  • In cases where the results prove the probability of paternity of 99.99% and higher. The judge will issue an order of filiation and lay out the framework for child support, and order birth certificate amendment.
  • When results exclude the alleged father from being the biological father of a child. The judge will dismiss the case.
  • In cases where one party does not appear for a hearing the judge may issue a default judgement and in some cases may hold the party in contempt of court.

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