Establishing Paternity: At-Home Tests

Taking a DNA paternity test can be a very stressful ordeal. It takes what you may want to keep a private matter and makes it into a very public one. For years, the only option you had to establish paternity was to go to a doctor and take a DNA test. Now, however, many pharmaceutical companies are making at-home paternity tests that allow you to take this very personal test in the privacy and safety of your own home.

If you believe you’re not receiving child support payments that you deserve, contact the San Jose divorce lawyer, Daniel Jensen, from the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., by calling 408-296-4100 today

How Home Paternity Tests Work

At-home paternity test kits come with cotton swabs for you to take DNA samples. You swab the inside of the cheek of the child and the potential father to obtain the DNA. While the mother’s DNA is not required, if collected, it can further substantiate the results of the test. The swabs are mailed to a DNA lab, where they are tested. Results can be checked online, over the phone, or through the mail, usually within five business days. The companies claim that the tests are 98% accurate.

Are Home Tests Effective?

Many people criticize these products for their supposed strong points: their easy, do-it-yourself process. These critics say that the room for error is higher when non-professionals collect the samples. Others argue that because the government has little to no oversight over the products, their effectiveness is questionable.

Legal experts say that it’s unlikely that these tests would be admissible in court. If you have used an at-home test, you may want to see a specialist to confirm the test’s findings.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love isn’t getting the child support payments he or she deserves, contact the San Jose divorce attorneys of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., today by calling 408-296-4100.