There are a lot of questions regarding what to know about DNA paternity testing, especially if you’re new to it. Paternity testing helps identify the true biological father of a child and provides clear evidence for legal issues or for people just seeking peace of mind. DDC answers several questions about DNA paternity testing without the father.
DNA Diagnostic Center’s (DDC) proprietary process allows a DNA paternity test without the father’s direct involvement. One way is to test one or both of the possible father’s parents or other first-degree relatives such as a brother, sister, or other known child. Non-standard samples from the possible father, such as a blood card if deceased, can also be used for testing. DDC specializes in using the most advanced methods to determine paternity for any scenario.
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Paternity Testing Using a Grandparent or Other Relative
If a possible father isn’t available for testing, the best choice is to test one or both of his parents. Another option is to test the child’s DNA against the DNA of a sibling using our Sibling Test or Half-Sibling Test. We can also determine paternity using another close relative of the potential father, such as a brother or sister. All these tests, including the mother’s DNA, significantly optimize conclusiveness. To order a paternity test using the potential father’s relatives, contact our DNA relationship specialists to determine the proper test for you.
Paternity Testing for Court or Other Legal Purposes
A legally-binding chain-of-custody paternity test is the best choice if you require paternity testing for legal purposes. A chain-of-custody form that authorizes the test must be signed and processed for the court to recognize the validity of the results. A chain-of-custody paternity test with court-admissible results, cheek swabs, and necessary paperwork are sent directly to one of approximately 5,000 nationwide DNA collection facilities testing facilities authorized to provide services for DDC. We make the appointments for all participants. At that appointment, the identities of all individuals tested are confirmed, and samples are carefully handled to prevent tampering. Within 24 to 48 hours after samples have arrived at the lab, you receive online results that can be used as evidence for legal matters.
Paternity Testing Using Hair or Other Non-Standard Samples
Non-standard samples such as hair or a toothbrush from a potential father can be tested, although other items such as discarded ear swabs or used tissue are better. When non-standard samples are the only option, we work with individuals to determine the best sample for each situation. Once we receive your sample at our laboratory outside Cincinnati, Ohio, we will determine a profile from the possible father’s DNA. If the sample is sufficient, we compare this DNA profile to the DNA collected from the child’s cheek swabs to determine the probability of paternity. Results from this process are typically available within 5 to 10 business days but may take more or less time, depending on the quality of the sample.
How Accurate is a DNA Paternity Test?
DNA tests are powerful tools when determining paternity in divorce, custody, or child support cases. They help women identify biological and possible fathers and prove they are not biological fathers. The science has been rigorously tested and described in scientific journals. Results from our legal paternity tests are recognized in courts worldwide as proof of paternity.
How Many DNA Tests Are Done Each Year?
In 2006, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study showing that 300,000 paternity tests are performed yearly in the United States. Since then, that number has grown steadily, climbing to 400,000, according to the New York Times. The latter article also notes that men who question whether they are the biological father of the child they’re raising are, in fact, not the biological father about 30% of the time, which is a high percentage.
The AABB, an independent accreditation body for DNA testing, claims the number has surged to 500,000. Most of these tests are requested by child support agencies.
Paternity tests are useful for proving paternity in divorces and other legal cases. If the possible father isn’t available or willing to test, there are options for getting proof of paternity. If you are trying to determine paternity for legal matters, order a legal chain-of-custody test.
Get Paternity Tests from the DNA Diagnostics Center
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) processes more DNA tests than any other service worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing fast, accurate results for relationship tests, fertility tests, and other DNA testing solutions. Call now or email [email protected] today for assistance with paternity testing without the father.
Hi ,
I am from Africa I have my brother who was rejected by my father since birth.so I travel to the state but my brother is in Africa. Is there a way I can know if we both have the same father .
Hi, Delphine. For a sibling test, we might be able to determine your brother’s and your relationship with just your DNA and his, but there is a much higher chance of getting conclusive results if your mother provides her DNA also. Whether or not conclusive results can be obtained depends on how much DNA in common you and your brother share. This is why the mother’s participation is so important.
My mother was raped and I was conceived through the rape. If I do this test will it give me any information on the the rapist was. I have no idea of ethnicity or anything at all.
Hi, Rachel. No, it would not. For a paternity test, DNA from the biological father’s close relatives would be required.
I just took a home pregnancy test and it’s positive. I am not sure if I’m pregnant by my son’s dad or my current boyfriend. Can I have my son tested instead of his Father to match DNA before birth so I know who Fathered this current pregnancy?
Hi, Tweet. Only DNA from the possible father can be submitted for a non-invasive prenatal paternity test, so submitting DNA for your son would not work.
I am pregnant n need to to dna test without coming with the father.How am i going to do.
Hi, Selinah. In order to determine paternity, the lab must have a DNA sample from him. If you want to talk to someone personally about your situation, please contact us at 800-681-7162.
I have a 5 year old and a newborn I know the father of the newborn but not certain of my 5 year old they could possibly have the same dad. How can I find out if they do neither the father or his family want to participate in a dna test.
Hi, Chris. We can do a half-sibling vs. full-sibling DNA test, using DNA samples from both your children and you. It’s very important for you to also contribute your DNA since it greatly increases the chances of obtaining conclusive results. You can learn more about sibling tests at the following link, and you’re always welcome to call us at 800-681-7162 for a free consultation or to order the test: https://tests.dnacenter.com/dna-testing-services/sibling-dna-test/
How can I tell my two kids share same biological father without fathers dna ?i did a swab DNA with mine and only two kids …how can it possible
Hi, Maaa. It is possible to do a sibling test. If you include the mother’s DNA, there’s a good chance of getting conclusive results as to whether or not they share the same father.
My father is recently deceased and my mother has been deceased for years and I need to obtain anything to say he is my father for social security benefits. There is no record he is my father but I have plenty of half siblings. Could something be done?
Hi, Kaitlyn. Your chances of getting conclusive results are much more likely if you have a half-sibling whose mother would also be willing to test. No matter which DNA test you ultimately choose to do, in order to be eligible for social security benefits, the test must be a legal and witnessed test (not an at-home test). Please call us directly and one of our experts will be happy to discuss your options with you and set up the testing too, should you decide you want to test. That number is 800-681-7162.
I’m 49 years old and I have never seen or heard anything about my father, I tried talking to my mom but she couldn’t give me answers. Is it possible for me to know who is my father especially at this age and the fact that I don’t have any clue about him.
Hi, Kgothatso. You could try doing an ancestry-type test where participants are willing to share their DNA data and thereby find possible biological connections. If a close relative of your biological father has done one too, you may find some clues that way.
I am 51 and a few years ago I found out who my real dad is and he wouldn’t get tested but his brother did with me and my mother and it was at home cheeks swab came back 99.6 . I need for legal reasons for benefits a legal way to have him added to birth certificate and help getting benefits that I’m in dire need of, I’m disabled, how can I make my dad do the DNA test?
Hi! That is a question best answered by a family-law attorney near you.
The man that I think is my father is unavailable to be tested, but his cousin is. Would the test show that I am related to him?
Hi, Bill. You don’t share enough DNA in common with a cousin to achieve a conclusive result. You may be able to, however, if other relatives are available to participate. I suggest you contact the experts at Identigene’s parent company, DDC, to see what options may be available to you: 800-681-7162.
I have a couple questions.. first off though I dont want to be on the show.. I do However Love n Watch the show…ok Questions now… My “Dad” even though my mother never had him put on my Birth Certificate, and also lied to me that sumone else was my fater before coming out and telling me that “He” was My Real Dad… I met him when I was 15..We talked about a DNA test before but nothing ever came of it.. I did look alot like him and alot of traits.. My Father Passed.. I have his ashes ans sum hair I saved after his Death.. Do you send DNA tests to peoples homes to take without bein on the show??? and does this cost anything??? I would Love to kno the Truth and Acquire His last name as My Maiden Name and sumhow have him put on my Birth Certificate as the Father if thats possible…after all these years.. I am 48… I would have to be informed on how to do that though.. Thank You…. Sincerely Betsy
Hi, Betsy. I’m sorry about the loss of your father. Unfortunately, the chances of being able to gather enough DNA from ashes and/or hair are very, very small. Your best bet would be to test with other relatives of his. Does he have a brother or sister living? How about a known biological child of his? Like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, with enough pieces, we can help form a clear picture of whether or not he was your biological father. I suggest you call us directly at 800-681-7162 to speak with one of our experts and help determine what your options may be.
Although we do the testing for many TV shows, we also have at-home DNA paternity-testing kits available on drugstore/supercenter stores. However, these kits are only for testing possible fathers and children who are still living, so they wouldn’t be an option for you.
Thanks for reaching out, and take care!
I have received my non invasive prenatal paternity test and was curious to see if we could also know ethnicity of unborn child from the samples? And is it also possible to test another man with the same sample of maternal blood drawn for the initial test? Ty!
Hi, Lyndsey. Paternity-testing does not determine ethnicity. I cannot speak for other labs, but we require that a new maternal blood sample be drawn for every test. Hope this helps!
I had sex march 31 than on April 7 th with 2 diff guys I found out I was pregnant at around 5 weeks…my due date is Dec 31st and I’ve been thinking for 20 weeks that it’s the second guys and now he told me he doesn’t know if she is his and I want to get DNA done but he hasn’t been apart of anything else so I really don’t want him to be apart of this. I need help bad.
Hi, Haley. Please call us directly at 800-681-7162 to speak with one of our testing experts. They’ll be able to assess your situation and help you make the best decisions for testing.
Can i do a dna test between my child and her possible fathers nephew? So a cousins test. His sister has a son and we were womderimg if we could just do a test between them.
Hi, Kathryn. Cousins share too distant a biological relationship for testing. If the possible father is not available for testing, a more promising option would be to test your child, his aunt, and you. You can learn more about this test here: https://tests.dnacenter.com/relationship-testing/avuncular/
I live in upstate New York and my brother passed away and he sign the birth certificate of his so call son who is 24 and we as my brothers family know that this 24 year old is not his child we were wondering about doing a DNA testing to prove he’s not his child to inherit my brothers estate. There was no will
Hi, Michelle. Keep in mind that, per the NYSDOH, all relationship testing in New York State must have court-admissible results and requires authorization from a doctor, attorney, or agent of the court. If the alleged son is not willing to do a DNA test, you may have to go through the courts to compel him to do so. I suggest you contact a family-law attorney to determine your first steps.
Hello. My brother passed away 10/01/2001 and I would like to see if I can get a DNA done to see if ” my niece” his his child or not. Her mother claims for 18 years to her and to us that she is his child. “My niece would like to know as well she is 18 in july. How can I go by doing a DNA done with her and I?
Hi, Tabitha. If the mother doesn’t consent, then you need to wait till your niece is 18 and can consent herself for testing. You can learn more about our avuncular (aunt/uncle) test here: https://tests.dnacenter.com/relationship-testing/avuncular/
I’m interested in doing a legal paternity test with my half sister. We don’t have our father’s cooperation, but both mothers would be willing to test. She lives in Estonia, and I live in the US. How would we go about this?
Hi, Sahra. If you contact us directly to set up the test, we make all arrangements for testing and to have DNA-collection materials sent to the test participant in Estonia. Please call us at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
Hello, how accurate is the sibling test to see if they have the same father. The father doesn’t want anything to do with my children. As a young adult I came to close with breaking up and seeing someone else so my oldest child I am not sure about.
Hi, Arianna. If you submit your own DNA along with your children’s, then you optimize your chances of obtaining a conclusive result. Here is how conclusiveness is measured for a sibling test:
90% or higher: the relationship is supported by DNA testing
9% – 89%: inconclusive result, and additional parties need to be tested
Below 9%: the relationship is not supported by DNA testing
I m in Nigeria, I need a Dna paternity test. The father of my child is deceased. The eldest son wants my child swab sample. I m sending a cheek swab from Nigeria to the US for testing
Please contact us directly at [email protected] and we’ll be able to assist you. Thanks!
Hi I’m in South Africa would like to know how accurate can a DNA be if I test against my father’s sister who’s married and have a child since my father passed away?
Hi, Lilitha. For questions about testing in South Africa, please contact our corporate partner there: https://dnatest.co.za/
Can I have a DNA test run against me and my brother’s daughter which would be my niece. To find out if her dad was really my brother.
Hi, Clara. Yes, you can. Contact us for a free confidential consultation at 800-929-0847 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern) to speak with one of our experts.
Im 7 weeks pregnant and unsure of the father, is it possible to do a test on my unborn child and my other child to see if they share the same father?
Hi, Abula. No, that’s not possible. One or all of the possible fathers would need to be tested.
Hello , my name is Latrice and my son passed away September 2021 ; He has mentioned to his son’s mother that he needed a DNA test to make sure he is his biological son. The mothers of the child is not being cooperating. How and what can I do in this matter?
My sincere condolences on the loss of your son. If the mother of the child is not cooperating, you should contact a family-law attorney where you live to see if she can be compelled by a court to do a test.
I was told I was 5 weeks and 3 days pregnant, I’m unsure of the father. Would I be able to bring in a sample of DNA from the person I suspect (something w his saliva on it?) and be able to get results?
Hello, Ariana. You must be at least 7 weeks pregnant in order to do our non-invasive prenatal paternity test. For options about eligible samples for the alleged father, please contact our experts directly at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
If your DNA is in the system, can they use it without your consent?
Hi, Melinda. Please clarify what “system” you are referring to? Thanks.
My dad passed away many years ago I think I was 11yrs old. I’m now 44 and I have no father on my birth certificate. I do know who my dad was but because he was an alcoholic he refused to live with my mom and me. He died very young serous of the liver. I did at one time as a child was apart of my dads family but we lost touch. I’m very much in need to change my name into my fathers but I need DNA. My dad brother in newjersey I haven’t seen nor spoken in yrs. Help me please
Hi, Annmarie. You’ll need to do your own legwork as far as locating close relatives of your birth father (his siblings or other known children) who are willing to test. Your dad’s brother would be an excellent choice if he is willing. Once you can line that up, we’ll be happy to arrange a test for you. All the best and good luck!
I WABT TO DO A DNA TEST ON MY DAUGHTER
Hi, Cortillian. You’re welcome to contact us directly for a free confidential consultation at 800-929-0847. We’re available M-F from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern.
Hello. My son is incarcerated and got twins. Now all of a sudden questions are being raised amongst the families if they are his. Is it possible to get a test without his DNA to find out if he is really the father using my DNA and his father’s?
Hi, Kimberly. Yes, absolutely. It’s called a grandparentage test and it’s an excellent alternative when the possible father isn’t available to test. It’s best if the mother of the twins test too, and she must give her permission for testing. For a free consultation, contact our experts at 800-929-0847 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
Found out though 23 and me that my father wasn’t my father. My mother won’t tell me who he is. But on my heritage there is a woman that has 1, 909 cm in dna that matches mine. She says she isn’t my grand mother. She refuses to get a dna test or tell her son, as does her daughter. Her daughter matches me in 989 cm in dna. I don’t know what to do to go about getting them to take a patenterinty test with me. I just want to know.
Hi, Laramie. Frustrating as it must be for you, you cannot compel someone to take a DNA test they don’t want to take.
I am 71 years of age from the UK my beloved father died 7 years ago aged 91 ,My mother who treated me dreadfully in a nasty rage told me
I just told her < To me mum it does not matter he is my father and the finest man to set foot on this earth .and I will love my dad all my life .
I have hair from my dad from cutting his hair when I was caring for him but now know it is of no use to do a DNA test
My father has two brothers born Twins from the same mother but different fathers .
My fathers, father was an actor come dancer and travelled around village to village . this being in 1922 This actor got three young girls pregnant around the same time one being my grandmother who came from a very fine family .
Once he knew he left on a boat for America . No member of my family knew his name at all .
My grandparents are dead but would one of my fathers brothers <My Uncles even though they have different fathers would they be ok to use as a DNA test
My mother I am ashamed to say was with men all the time and I am one of seven children and we all of us wonder if our father was really our Dad .
My father was a unique man and myself and my siblings all say that his memory will always be cherished . and if it was that he was not mine or my siblings father it would not upset us for our sakes at all .
I really need to know I am in the middle being the 4th child born so Three Older three younger .
My mother is also dead aged 87, she died 14 years ago so no DNA from her either .
Can you please help me and advise me if my Uncles , <My fathers half brothers would be a suitable candidates for a DNA test .
I just have to know Thanking you so very much in anticipation
Hello, Linda. Please call the experts at our UK office and they will be happy to go over options for testing with you. That number is 0800 009 2969
My son is in prison I had a lil boy tested to see if it was his. It came back a very lil percentage but it didn’t say he could be excluded should I test the kid again and this time use my sons brother dna they have the same mom not daddy
Hi, Katina. I’d need a little more info about the first test you did before responding. Was it a grandparent test or a paternity test before your son went to prison? Instead of doing a back-and-forth here, you’re welcome to contact us directly for a consultation with one of our experts: 800-929-0847.
Good morning sir/madan
My name is Samuel. Please can my siblings do DNA in my absence because my ex girlfriend her daughter is my child.
Hello, Samuel. Yes, we can do aunt/uncle testing when a possible father is absent. Please email [email protected] to start a conversation with one of our DNA specialists.