Recently in Paternity Category

Kinship Legal Guardianship (KLG) in New Jersey, is a process whereby a maternal or paternal relative of a child assumes long term care of the child as an alternative to adoption.  KLG does not necessarily terminate parental rights.  The biological parent maintains the right of consent to adoption or name change, pays child support and is entitled to visitation, usually supervised.  The child does not sacrifice any rights derived from the birth parent such as inheritance or insurance eligibility. 

KLG, is initially a permanent arrangement and not intended to be easily resolved.  However, KLG can be used as a temporary measure to allow biological parents to overcome incapacity to care for a child.  Most children want to be reunited with their parents.  However, as with all matters concerning children, and irrespective of the circumstances, the courts will rule in favor of what is best for the child based on "clear and convincing evidence".  If a parent, whose child was removed due to physical abuse, neglect, substance abuse, arrest, violence or any other misconduct, intends to pursue custody of their child, there has been a unanimous decision, affirmed by all seven justices and written by Justice John Wallace, that the burden of proof for terminating such KLG arrangements is with the moving party. (biological parent)

Who wins in these situations?  Children are negatively impacted with any interruption in home life.  Moving from a parent's home to a relative's home, no matter the circumstances, interferes with academic progress, social life and certainly emotional well being.  Readjusting to a new environment is difficult for anyone, imagine being a child and having to accomodate the adult world around you.  Having relatives argue over who is to care for a child, who is financially responsible for a child, who is equipped to best take care of the child, will leave the child with lifelong self esteem issues - the child's mind barely understands the conflict and only wants to be with their parent.  On the other hand, these angels (KLG) who step up to the responsibility of raising someone else's children are a large part of our population today and everyone involved in chiild welfare needs to support their efforts and sacrifices.  This is the next generation they are taking care of - the next biochemist, the next NASA engineer or the next President. 

One sad note, is the grand parent or aunt or uncle, who spends their time and energy to raise a "relative's" child, only to later find out that there is no real biological relationship.  If you have a doubt about the paternity of the child you are being asked to care for, call your local DNA collector to have a private DNA test performed.  If you have been given paperwork by the court, indicating you have custody of the child, you have the right and responsibility to get a DNA test to confirm you are indeed the biological grand parent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother etc., of the child.  And all children have the right to know their birth family and understand the truth about their birth. 

"The law must be consonant with life.  It cannot and should not ignore broad historical currents of history.  Mankind is possessed of no greater urge than to try to understand the age old questions: "Who Am I"? and "Why Am I"?  Even now the sands and ashes of the continents are being sifted to find where we made our first steps as man.  Religions of mankind often include ancestor worship in one way or another.  For many the future is blind without sight of the past.  Those emotions and anxieties that generate our thirst to know the past are not superficial and whimsical.  They are real and they are "good cause" under the laws of man and God."

Credit is surely due where such an eloquent and simple truth is summed in words we can all understand.  The above words are a quote from the Honorable Wade Weatherford, Circuit Court Judge in South Carolina.

The fact that DNA Tests are readily available today is self evident that DNA Tests are needed today.  Necessity is the mother of invention, right?  New moms and new dads should contact a local DNA collector so that follow up questions and/or concerns can be addressed without having to dial an anonymous toll free number and speak to an anonymous operator who knows little or cares little about the individual circumstances.  A private, community based DNA collector will remember your case, easily access your files and answer your questions about DNA testing.  Although profit is the motive for every business, there is the unique individual who is compassionate and may offer kind words or simple advice for families who find themselves in need of a DNA test.  There is also the case, when the relationship between the two parties deteriorates to the point of no communication and one of the parties did not maintain a copy of the DNA Test.  Having to sift through an anonymous toll free number's previously tested parties customer service line, is difficult and profitless so you'll get very little assistance.  Using a local DNA collector, you can go to their office, speak directly to the person who collected you and with proper identification obtain copies of your files. 

Most often, DNA Tests are used to confirm Paternity.  However, DNA tests can be used to confirm any kind of biological relationship  - grand paternity, silbings, aunts, uncles - always check with your local DNA collector for advice on the best test option available. 

There are grand parents support group meeting all over New Jersey and the country.  There are grand parent magazines offering advice on how to rear today's children.  No more putting kids in the backyard to play.  There are sadly, many grand parents finding out, after they have bonded with a child or two, that the child is not biologically related, that is, the grand parents may have been misled into thinking a child was their son's child.  A simple grand paternity test can be performed to prove the kinship and ease doubts about the relatedness of a child.  (By the way, as a local DNA collector, I often hear the voices of concerned grand parents and aunts, that a child has just been introduced into their family and they doubt or are concerned about the paternity).   As the Honorable Weatherford advises - eventually all children will want to know Who Am I and How Did I Get to Be Here?  Irrespective of the biological mother and father's relationship now or in the future, somewhere there should be a record of the circumstances of the birth.

Often, times the motive for DNA testing is to obtain child support, healthcare benefits, social security benefits or other financial assistance.  Whatever your motive, keep a record of the test along with other valuable identifying documents, such as birth certificates, vaccination records and insurance policies.  Some day the child will ask the question: Who Am I? and as simple as it may seem to  an adult - the knowledge is empowering and the truth is always relevant.     

 

In the world of pregnant women, there is so much information and knowledge to quickly absorb that we hope this blogs sheds some light.

Are you pregnant - get to a doctor.  If you have already done an Over the Counter Pregnancy tests and the results are positive - congratulations and call your OB/GYN.  If you do not have a regular OB/GYN who is familiar with your medical history, get a referral from your Primary Care Physician and find one because if you are old enough to get pregnant, you are old enough to be seen by an OB/GYN.  Regular OB/GYN visits should be a part of your own health care agenda as soon as you are sexually active.  There are Planned Parenthood clinics, women's wellness clinics and other healthcare agencies and hospital related clinics throughout the state and country able to educate you about the responsibilities and risks of being a sexually active woman.  God knows there are enough TV shows willing to delve into the subject of teen pregnancy, out of wedlock pregnancy, planned pregnancy, surrogate pregnancy etc.,  There is simply no excuse today, not to be seen by an OB/GYN, once you become sexually active.    

In this day and age, many young women have the benefit of planning pregnancies around their professional lives or that of there husbands/significant other.  If you happen to be one of these lucky women, you still need to know that there is a host of testing available in your first and second trimester that will offer you information about risks for chromosome abnormalities.  The risk for a fetal chromosome abnormality increases as women get older.  Pregnant women age 35 and older are often offered diagnostic testing through either a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or an amniocentesis (Amnio) to determie if their baby has a chromosome problem.  Women younger than 35 are routinely offered a blood test in the second trimester (Quad screen) to determine if their baby is at an icnreased risk for a chromosome abnormality.  In the last five years (this writing is as of 2010) there have been better developments in first trimester screening which offers detection rates for trisomy 18 and Down syndrome at least equivalent to the Quad screen.  First Trimester screening is also an accepted standard in over 50 countries.

It is at this same time, when you are doing the above chromosomal diagnostic testing that you can participate in a PreNatal Paternity Test.  If your doctor is planning on performing either the CVS or Amnio, you can call and schedule your local DNA collector to meet  you at your doctor's office on the same day.  The usual process is both mom and alleged father meet the DNA collector either on the day of the amnio or CVS or at a previously agreed upon date.  The first meeting is to exchange identification, collect mom's and alleged father's DNA, accept payment and sign consent forms.  The second meeting is then in the doctor's office (genetic counselor, OB/GYN, Perinatologists) where the procedure (Amnio or CVS) is performed by your doctor.  The DNA collector supplies the doctor with an additional sample tube so that the doctor can provide either amniotic fluid or tissue from the CVS.  It is very important that you understand the risks to yourself and your baby before having any of these tests performed. ASK YOUR DOCTOR ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RISKS INVOLVED AND  YOUR CONCERNS - WRITE YOUR QUESTIONS DOWN ON PAPER BEFORE YOU MEET WITH THE DOCTOR.  You can combine the meetings to one day at the doctor's office; however, your DNA collector willll need to speak to your doctor or his staff prior to the meeting.  Prenatal Paternity Test results are generally returned within 5 - 7 business days after receipt at laboratory.  Prenatal Paternity Tests are COLLECTED on Monday,  Tuesday or Wednesday only due to sensitivity and viability of the Prenatal Samples.

First trimester screening is a combination of a blood test with a special certified ultrasound exam performed when you are between 11 weeks and 13 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy.  Downs Syndrome babies have an extra number 21 chromosome which occurs in about 1 in 800 live-born babies.  Trisomy 18, an extra number 18 chromosome, causes severe mental retardation and multiple birth defects.  Your blood is analyzed for two proteins called the free-Beta-hcG and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma Protein-A).  The ultra sound test determines the gestational age (how many weeks are you pregnant) of the fetus and measure thea mount of fluid between teh baby's spine and the skin on the back of the neck, which is called the nuchal translucency.  The blood tests and the results from the NT ultrasound are combined to estimate risks of either Downs Syndrome or Trisomy 18.  It is important to understand that these are "screenings" and not "diagnostic" tests.   First trimester screening only provides you with a risk estimate - it does not confirm the presence of Downs syndrome or Trisomy 18.  Diagnostic testing such as the amnio or CVS will be offered to those individuals whose risk estimate is higher than the norm.  Genetic Counselors can provide possible reasons why a pregnancy was found to have an increased risk of chromosomal abnormality and will review your options about further diagnostic testing.  A trained genetic counselor will review your family history, medical history, pregnancy history and help you to interpret your own unique situation and offer choices that are right for your family.

The most important responsibility you have as a pregnant women is to find an OB/GYN you can work with, can communicate with and feel comfortable asking questions.  This is your baby and your pregnancy and irrespective of your relationship with the father of the child - as a women you carry the responsibility of taking care of yourself and your unborn child during these nine months.  If you need to confirm paternity, prior to the birth of your child, prenatal paternity tests are available and can help you to remove any lingering doubts and stress.  Most hospitals in New Jersey offer Maternal Fetal classes to educate you on what to expect during pregnancy, allows you to view the maternity unit where you will give birth to your baby, offers classes to "big" sisters and brothers to give them an idea on how to welcome their new baby and instructions on how to breast feed.  Most of the classes are either free of charge or request a nominal fee but it is a good idea for new moms and dads to participate as the nurses and staff who offer these courses have lots of practice with new babies and new families and can help ease your questions.

 

Yes, I get that question regularly and when I first heard it, I thought that maybe someone needed a short lesson in Biology even though they obviously understood the fertilization part.  But then I realized my customers are very smart and they know that DNA can be found on so many different items - that what she was really asking is if we can create a DNA profile from something other than her husband's mouth.  The answer of course is yes.  We can create a DNA profile of her husband and then submit her children's DNA in order for an experienced and accredited lab analyst to compare the profiles and look for genetic markers indicating paternity.

There are many different items that we can use to create her husband's DNA profile in order to determine if he is the biological father of the two children involved.  The reader may find this to be sneaky but you don't always know the circumtances - perhaps she is protecting herself from an abusive individual?  Perhaps she is trying to insure that her children are cared for while she searches and confirms who their real father is.  Perhaps the children's real father is a U.S. citizen and she wants to have her children legally entered into the United States.  You simply can't judge until you've walked in her shoes.  In New Jersey, it is the State that automatically assumes the husband to be the father of the children and automatically enters his information on the child's Certificate of Parentage - unless both partners speak up declare that is not the case and another man signs an Acknowledgement of Paternity.  At a time when all family members are in the hospital room "oohing" and "aahing" over the new addition to their family - I doubt that any new mother wants to initiate a conversation or place doubt in anyone's mind about the paternity of the child.

Rather than get into the emotions and moral side of this subject, I would like to explain the methods by which we can determine a man is the father, without actually having that man present at the DNA collection.  First, only a legal guardian can bring in minor children for collection by a private DNA collector - so in this case, the mother is a legal guardian and can prove it by bringing in either the hospital discharge papers, the birth certificates, her healthcare cards with the children's names plus her own identification, driver's license, passport, any current photo id.  We then collect DNA from the children and the mother in the usual manner. 

The mother is asked to bring in anyone of the following items belonging to the "alleged" biological father:

Blood - may be obtained from diabetic test strips, band-aids, clothing, tissues;FTA Blood Stain cards (used in deceased alleged father tests)

Clothing - may contain sweat from underarm, bandannas, hats, baseball caps, underwear - tissues and/or handerkerchief with nasal mucous

Dental Floss -must be properly handled and stored

Used Q-Tips - must be properly handled and stored

Razor Clippings - must be properly handled and stored

Gum - preferably sugar fee

Nails - fingers and toes - freshly trimmed

Sperm  - air dried on a q-tip or present on underwear

Toothbrush - by far the easiest to provide for DNA analysis

Toothpick - must be handled properly

I don't mention hair, because hair samples must contain the root or follicle and must be the thickness of a pencil eraser head.  It would be difficult for anyone to collect hair in that manner without bringing attention to themselves. 

An accredited laboratory will have trained personnel able to lift DNA and create genetic profiles and match to the regular samples of the children's and look for any indicative mutations or non-matches.

So - do we need the father present for a DNA test - no, not really.  Do we need the mother present for a Paternity Test - no, not really.  Having the mother's DNA does allow the laboratory to provide stronger results - because we have definite knowledge of one half of the children's DNA.  The cost is not all that prohibitive to do a Paternity Test using any of the above unusual samples.  It may take a little longer than the usual 3 person (mother, father and one child) paternity test 3 business day turn around time but considering the importance of the information involved - the wait is worth it.

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Paternity Acknowledgement and Paternity Testing

The following information is meant only to offer initial guidance to a new mom or new dad in the State of Pennsylvania. It is strongly suggested that you consult with your own attorney or contact a local legal services offices for further guidance on the issue of establishing paternity.

The DNA Lady offers accredited DNA testing with results provided in 3 business days. You have the option of coming to our private office (just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia) and completing a Court Admissible or Chain of Custody DNA Test to determine paternity or a Simple Peace of Mind Test to confirm/deny paternity. After years of offering DNA tests to families throughout the Northeast, we have seen DNA testing companies come and go. We recommend whatever DNA testing facility you engage that you question their accreditations and what happens if you need follow up in 5 years. We also recommend that your DNA testing facility provide you with a local office - not a home based business or a local laboratory that does independent collections Find someone who will answer your initial questions, perform your collection and then answer your follow up questions once you receive results.

Pennsylvania Paternity Determination Law Title 23, Part V, Ch.43, SubCh. C, § 4343.

Determination. - Where the paternity of a child born out of wedlock is disputed, the determination of paternity shall be made by the court in a civil action without a jury. A putative father may not be prohibited from initiating a civil action to establish paternity. The burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence. Bills for pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal care related to the pregnancy and genetic DNA testing are admissible as evidence without requiring third-party foundation testimony and shall constitute prima facie evidence of amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child. If there is clear and convincing evidence of paternity on the basis of genetic tests or other evidence, the court shall upon motion of a party issue a temporary order of support pending the judicial resolution of a dispute regarding paternity. The Supreme Court shall provide by general rule for entry of a default order establishing paternity upon a showing of service of process on the defendant and a subsequent failure to appear for scheduled genetic testing.

Limitation of actions.

• An action or proceeding under this chapter to establish the paternity of a child born out of wedlock must be commenced within 18 years of the date of birth of the child.
• As of August 16, 1984, the requirement of paragraph (b)(1) shall also apply to any child for whom paternity has not yet been established and any child for whom a paternity action was brought but dismissed because of a prior statute of limitations of less than 18 years.

Genetic tests.

• Upon the request of any party to an action to establish paternity, supported by a sworn statement from the party, the court or domestic relations section shall require the child and the parties to submit to genetic tests. The domestic relations section shall obtain an additional genetic DNA test upon the request and advance payment by any party who contests the initial test.
• Genetic test results indicating a 99% or greater probability that the alleged father is the father of the child shall create a presumption of paternity which may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the results of the genetic tests are not reliable in that particular case.
• To ensure the integrity of the specimen and that the proper chain of custody has been maintained, the genetic tests of the biological mother, the child or children in question and the alleged father should be conducted by an established genetic-testing laboratory in the course of its regularly conducted business activity, and certified records should be issued. The certified records shall be admissible into evidence without further foundation, authentication or proof of accuracy if no objection is made within ten days prior to trial. The laboratory must be certified by either the American Association of Blood Banks or the American Association for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. The DNA Lady's DNA Tests are all performed by aaBB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, FQS-I and ISO/IEC17025 accredited laboratories. The DNA Lady's insistence on using only accredited laboratories provides you with reliable and accurate DNA tests.
• If the court or domestic relations section orders genetic testing, the domestic relations section shall pay the cost of the test, subject to recoupment from the alleged father if paternity is established. Most court ordered DNA collectors then enter all the information collected at the DNA test, on both married and unmarried parents into a database that is matched against the Automated Child Support Enforcement system. The data is scanned on a weekly basis.
• A determination of paternity made by another state, whether through judicial proceedings, administrative proceedings or by acknowledgment of paternity, shall be given full faith and credit in the courts of this Commonwealth. The DNA Lady can offer you a complete Chain of Custody, Court Admissible and fully accredited DNA test.  If you chose to then take the information to court to pursue child support or child visitation it will then be at your own will and not that of the State.
• A determination of non paternity made by another state with respect to a public assistance recipient shall not be binding upon the Department of Public Welfare unless the defendant shows that the department had actual notice of the proceedings, including the date and time of any trial, and a fair opportunity to participate in all material proceedings through counsel of its own choice.

IRS Tests to be a qualifying child:

1.)  the child must be your son, daughter, step-child, eligible foster chidl, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them.  If for any reason, you do not have the proper birth certificates, marriage certificates, documents to prove the biological relationship to a child, check with your local DNA collector who can advise you if a proper DNA testing is available to confirm any biological relationship.

2.)  The child must under age 19 at the end of the year; or under the age of 24 and a full time student or any age if permanently and totally disabled.  Do you want to know if you or other family members are predisposed (carrying a higher risk than the population) for certain diseases or conditions based on your DNA?  Call your local DNA collector and find out what type of tests are offered - knowledge is power - educate  yourself on your alternatives to a a healthier and better quality of life.

3.)  The child must have lived with you for more than half of the year - always maintains documents and receipts in support of your claims.  There is an exception for certain adopted children.

4.)  The child must not have provided more than half of his or her own support for the year.

5.)  If the child meets the rules to be a qualifying child of more than one person, you must be the person entitled to claim the child as a qualifying child.  If you need a Paternity Test, Siblingship Test, Grandpaternity or other Kinshipcare DNA Test to prove the biological relationship - you still have time in the State of New Jersey to complete the testing and submit.  Many counties in New Jersey affected by the recent flooding have been given extensions to file tax returns.

Tests to be a Qualifying Relative

1.)  The person cannot be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of anyone else.

2.)  The person must either be related to you in one of the ways listed under "Relatives who do not have to live with you in IRS Publication 501, or live with you all year as a member of your household (and your relationship must not violate local law).

3.)  The person's gross income for the y ear must be less than $3650(unless disabled or income from a sheltered workshop)

4.)  You must provide more than half of the person's total support for the year.

 

While most babies are healthy when they are born, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) routinely screens new babies to help prevent serious problems like mental retardation or death.

Prior to discharge from the hospital, your nurse or health care provider will take a few drops of blood from your baby's heel.  The hospital will then send the blood samples to a newborn screening laboratory. 

If there is a problem, the HRSA will notify parents and health care providers immediately.  However, since there is so much going on during the first few weeks of your new baby's life, it is important for you to specifically ask for the results.  If you leave the hospital or place of birth, prior to 24 hours after giving birth, the HRSA may ask for the baby to be retested.  Some states require that all babies be tested, twice for accuracy.  Some babies may need to be retested because the original sample was not sufficient to complete testing.  A few babies may need to be retested because the first test showed a possible health problem.

If  you are requested to bring in baby for retesting, do not become concerned until you have spoken to your healthcare provider and they explain the circumstances.  As stated above, it just may be routine for your State to test twice.  However, if you do receive a call or notice to have your baby retested, get it done right away.  In the process, insure that your health care provider and the hospital have your updated contact information including home address, phone, email and nowadays - include your cell phone. 

Your health care professional should be able to answer any of your questions.  Do not be worry about your question being silly - unless you are a trained genetic counselor you may not understand the meaning of the tests but you have the right to a full explanation in terms you can understand. 

Puerto Rico's New Birth Certificate Law (Law 191 of 2009)

The government of Puerto Rico has enacted a new law (Law 191 of 2009) aimed at strengthening the issuance and usage of birth certificates to combat fraud and protect the identity and credit of all people born in Puerto Rico. 

The new law was based on collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to address the fraudulent use of Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates to unlawfully obtain U.S. passports, Social Security benefits, and other federal services. 

Under the new law, all Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, will be invalidated so that new, more secure certificates can be issued. Until that date, all birth certificates will remain valid.  If you are required to undergo a DNA test to confirm a biological relationship, ie, paternity, maternity, siblingship or grand paternity, call your local DNA Lady to coordinate the collection in the continental USA and in Puerto Rico.

It is important to understand that there is no need to rush out and get a new birth certificate on July 1.  It is suggested that only people who have a specific need for their birth certificate for official purposes need request a new birth certificate right away.

Those Puerto Rican-born living in the states will be able to request and receive their new birth certificates through a simple process by mail.  The fee is $5, but will be waived for people over 60 and for veterans.

For additional information on the new law, please visit the links below.

Birth Certificate Law Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions

Text of New Birth Certificate Law

Birth Certificate Application  *Please note: the new, more secure birth certificates will be available on or after July 1, 2010.

Alleged fathers, worried new moms, adults in search of parents, grandparents.

Day in and day out, we pick up the phone and hear different voices,  with a nagging doubt about a grandchild but most of all - just people, like you and me, with questions about the DNA testing process. 

Often times the young men (alleged fathers) are concerned about the child, but also just want to protect themselves.   There are the young men, though who are shell shocked about the situation because they haven't had any contact with the new mother in months.  Recently I met a young guy, who was seeing the new born baby for the first time on the day of the Paternity Test.  His reaction was a "handshake and congratulations" to the new mom?  Is it cultural or was this sad?  Nine months ago this young couple were so close that they conceived a child (allegedly) together and today they can barely be in the same room with one another.   I have had other couples, who because of circumstances need a Court Admissible Paternity Test, and when I try to photograph the couple, I can barely get them close enough to be in the same photo.  Yet again, we know that 9 months ago....

The women, if they have just given birth are either angry or just feeling lousy and want to get the whole process over whereas the grandparents are only inquiring on behalf of their "son".  Whatever the circumstances, the DNA Lady provides answers and assurance that DNA testing is the most conclusive method available to prove a biological relationship. 

I also work with adults, who have spent the better part of their adult life searching for a biological parent.  There is sometimes a happy ending and after 30 something years of "not knowing" , "just not sure", "mom, wasn't clear on her information" - we find the alleged fathers - in another state but willing and interested in having the DNA test.   I think I get the most satisfaction out of these tests - because the parties involved are usually very happy to be tested and truly concerned with the outcome of the tests.  Also, maybe a little sad at having lost the opportunity to know their child as he/she grew up. 

Frequently Asked Questions about DNA and Paternity Tests, are listed below.

• Why would I need a DNA test?
• Who is tested in a paternity test?
• How accurate are DNA tests?
• What is used for a DNA test sample?
• How are the DNA samples collected?
• Can tested parties live in different cities?
• When will I receive my paternity test results?
• Can I use DNA Lady's test results in court?
• How can I pay for my DNA test?
• Does DNA Lady offer a payment plan?
• How do I make an appointment for my DNA test?
• What should I bring to my Legal DNA sample collection appointment?
• Is the mother's DNA sample required for a paternity test?
• Is it a problem if there are two possible fathers and they are related?
• Can I do a paternity test before the baby is born?
• How much will my DNA test cost?
• Is there a DNA sample collection location near me?
• What happens at the DNA sample collection appointment?
• Will my DNA test results be legally defensible?
• Can DNA test results be used to obtain child support?
• What does "chain of custody process" mean?
• Who is entitled to receive the DNA paternity test results?

Alleged fathers who are related

If two possible fathers are related as full brothers or father and son, they may share many of the DNA markers used in paternity testing. This means that if proper precautions are not taken, both men could test positive as the child's biological father. DNA testing will determine paternity in a case involving related alleged fathers but we must be aware of the situation before the testing process begins.

Usually the mother, child and alleged father should all be tested. The mother contributed one-half of her DNA to the child and the remaining DNA must then match the alleged father. It is possible to obtain accurate results without mother's sample if she is not available for testing.

DNA Lady offers two options:

• Test both alleged fathers, the child, and the mother at the same time. By comparing both alleged fathers' DNA profiles with the child's DNA profile, our expert laboratory staff can achieve accurate and conclusive test results. There is an added fee for the additional alleged father.
• Test one alleged father with extended analysis. This option can be taken when only one of the alleged fathers is available for testing. To produce a conclusive result, we must perform extended testing and statistical analysis. There is an additional fee for the extended testing and analysis. 

DNA test results provided by DNA Lady are extremely accurate.

We routinely release test results with a probability of paternity of 99.9% or higher; or, 100% probability in cases which exclude the alleged father. In addition we test each DNA sample twice following the highest standards in quality control which is unprecedented in the DNA testing industry.

DNA Lady uses a cotton-tipped swab, called a "buccol cheek swab". The DNA Sample is collected by swabbing the inside cheek of the mouth. It is painless and non-invasive, and the results are just as accurate as blood samples. For certain kinds of DNA tests, like those for infidelity, other biological samples are acceptable including drops of blood or other genetic material found on an item of clothing.

We make the DNA sample collection process easy and convenient for you. First we will either arrange an appointment at our collection facility or we can have our collector come to you on a mobile basis. We will even make arrangements to come to the hospital as early as the day of birth of the child. Once your DNA sample has been collected it is sent to the lab for processing.  The collection process takes less than 30 minutes, including any paperwork that needs to be sent with your DNA sample.

DNA Lady will make arrangements for all parties' samples to be collected in the place that is most convenient to them. All DNA test samples are coordinated by your assigned case manager if they are collected in different locations.

After your DNA samples are collected and the test fee has been paid in full, it typically takes three to five business days to report the DNA test results back to you. Next-day service is also available for an additional cost.

The report we provide from our Legally-Admissible DNA Test is evidence that proves or disproves paternity if sample collections are performed using the chain-of-custody process. If your DNA sample is not collected by a disinterested third party (the Chain of Custody process) then the DNA test results cannot be used as evidence in court.

Yes you can if the mother is between 10 and 24 weeks pregnant. An OB-GYN can collect a DNA sample from the developing child through either chorionic villi sampling (10-13 weeks) or amniocentesis (14-24 weeks). The baby's prenatal sample can then compared against the mother's and alleged father's DNA samples which are collected using the buccal (cheek) swabbing method. There will be additional fee involved in the collection of the baby's DNA sample and you need to check with your doctor regarding this additional fee.

Custody Process for legal DNA paternity testing

The chain of custody process is what makes the paternity test results legally defensible in courts and other government agencies.

DNA Lady strictly adheres to the Chain of Custody. Legal DNA test results are used for legal purposes such as child custody, child support, immigration, Social Security benefit claims, inheritance claims, and for other situations like Native American tribal enrollment.

When you come to the DNA sample collection appointment you will be need to do the following in order to meet the Chain of Custody requirements:

• Present government-issued identification for adults being tested
• Present identification for minors such as a birth certificate or social security card
• You will be photographed and fingerprinted
• You must complete a Client Identification and Consent Form (the minor's consent form should be signed by the child's legal guardian)

Please make sure that adults have the required government-issued identification and that you remember to bring a birth certificate or social security card for your minor child.

There are three main points in a chain of custody process:

• The tested parties are properly identified when their samples are collected. (Their government-issued IDs are verified and photocopied, and the individuals are photographed and thumbprinted.) 
• The samples are collected by a neutral third party-someone who has no personal interest in the outcome of the test (e.g., a hospital, clinic, or laboratory staff person). 
• The samples are tamper-taped, securely packaged at the collection site, and carefully inspected upon receipt for any evidence of tampering. 

When these three requirements are satisfied and documented, the paternity test results are legally defensible. This means that you can use them for legal purposes like child custody, child support, immigration and Native American tribal enrollment.

DNA Lady and You

The DNA lady has been providing DNA Tests in New Jersey for a number of years.  You will find that I am a good listener and will educate you on the best tests available for your circumstances.  I believe that every child has the right to now know their biological parents, if the child chooses and if in the process there would be no harm to anyone. 

We have an extensive network of DNA sample collection locations. When you contact us a dedicated case manager will schedule a local appointment that is convenient for all of the tested parties. We will schedule your DNA sample collection appointment at a time and place that works best for you.

When you arrive at your appointment your identification will be verifed and photocopied by the sample collector. You will also have your photograph and thumbprint taken and you will need to sign a consent form for the DNA test. These three elements are required by the chain of custody process in order to make your DNA test results legally defensible.

The DNA sample collector will collect your DNA samples using buccal swabs.  These are cotton-like swabs that he or she will rub against the inside of your cheek to "collect" loose cheek cells. The collector will then send all the DNA samples and paperwork directly to our laboratory.

You may pay for your DNA test with cash, a personal check, cashier's check, money order or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express).  DNA test results are not issued until the test fee has been paid in full.  We will work with you on a payment plan that you can afford to make.