In a parenting situation or when requesting child support, whether a man is the biological father of a child is a matter of concern. The results of a paternity test could decide the case’s outcome in some cases. In certain scenarios, even though a person is not the biological parent of a kid, they may be held to have parenting responsibilities. A paternity test cost in the US ranges between $150 and $200 US. Depending on which test someone is considering, among other things, prices can be much lower or higher in this range.

Legally Admissible Paternity Test

This paternity test is carried out in accordance with the Family Law Rules 1984 (Cth), which specify how samples must be retrieved, packaged, and tested. A NATA-certified laboratory must also carry out the test. Paternity testing is now accurate, fast, and inexpensive thanks to the advancements in DNA technology. Today, paternity can be confirmed within one to

 three business days soon after the samples are received at the lab. As soon as the testing is over, the results are released right away.

Cost of a Legal Paternity Test

The legal paternity test cost is higher. The reason for this is that the parents won’t be collecting samples themselves. Even though parents won’t be collecting the DNA samples directly, they will still be given a DNA test kit that is supposed to be handed over to a third party.

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Generally, for a small charge, a doctor or attorney can handle this for the parties. Why is a sample required, and why does it involve authorized third parties? Basically, it’s to ensure that no one falsifies their answers on the test and that the participants are real people.

Reasons for Legal Paternity Test

The most cutting-edge and reliable way to determine parentage for medical or personal reasons is DNA paternity testing. For Legal cases, the reasons are-

Child Support

If a mother wishes to seek Child Support from a father, she must first verify parentage. To do this, one can ask a court to declare who the father is based on the result of a paternity test or on the basis of one of the presumptions outlined in the Family Law Act. A man will often be obliged to pay child support if he is proven to be the biological father; the amount will be calculated by his income and assets.

Family Law Proceedings

If one party has doubts about the child’s parentage, they might challenge the other party’s claims about who is (or is not) a parent. The court has the authority to mandate the introduction of proof proving the child’s parentage. In this case, the most common order is for the parties to undergo a ‘paternity test’ in the form of DNA testing. For both the legal test and the at-home test, one must pay for a third party to collect the samples. This paternity test cost also includes shipping costs to return the samples for laboratory assessment.

 The court is authorized to draw outcomes from a party’s failure to follow an order for parentage testing. For example, the court would draw the conclusion that a man is not the father if he claims to be the child’s father but refuses to submit to DNA testing.

How Does a DNA Paternity Test Take Place?

An oral swab specimen is taken from the child and the claimed father and mother (optional) during a DNA paternity test. Cells are present in the sample, and the majority of the cells in our bodies contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is a complete collection of genetic information. Similar to a fingerprint, a person’s DNA works as a “genetic blueprint” for them.

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In the lab, DNA from the cell is removed, and for thorough analysis, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is used to amplify specific DNA sections. The child’s DNA pattern is matched to the man who is claimed to be the child’s father. Since a child’s genetic code is inherited from his or her biological parents, testing the child’s DNA will definitively show whether the claimed parties are actually the child’s biological parents.

Conclusion

A home paternity test cost is far less expensive than a legal paternity test since there will be no law proceedings or third-party involvement. A home paternity test is mostly taken for personal peace of mind. It’s important to note that the examination of the DNA follows exactly the same steps as another laboratory test. At Health Street, one can opt for both Legal Paternity Test and Home DNA Paternity Test.