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Can You Do a Paternity Test Without the Father? DNA Paternity Testing Without the Father

Aug 21, 2018 | Paternity

Child and mother coloring on paper and laughing

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.

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157 Comments
  1. Toni

    Hi On December 27 of 2018 My fathers side of the family reached out to me because they were always told that my father had a child and the child was me. Well we are trying to do a paternity test because we want the closure that we think we deserve. The problem arises in the fact that my alleged father has been deceased since 2011.My fathers sister is willing to take a paternity test and the maury show said that they would comtact us in regards if this was allowed on the show or not and noone has yet to return my phone call or to let me know about if my aunt can test in place of my father.She and my father had the same mother and father so I am unsure as to why this should cause any differences in the testing.I was told that I have 2 half brothers and one of the brothers were participating and his mother stepped out of Jealousy so now he is not willing to help out with the testing if someone could please help me I would really appreciate having the answers.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Toni. Please call our experts at 800-681-7162 and they can tell you all about avuncular (aunt/uncle) testing and what’s involved.

      Reply
  2. Dawn

    How much does it cost to do a dna test with a aunt or uncle? My father recently passed away and i wasnt told. The family isnt very helpful. Also wouldnt the morgue have a sample of his DNA or something that can be used?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Dawn. An aunt/uncle test is $300-500, depending on how you want to use the results (legal or peace-of-mind). The morgue may have a blood card on file. If so, we could use that for testing, yes.

      Reply
  3. Lee

    I have a friend who mother wouldn’t tell her who her father was. What DNA test woulld she use? Her mother pass away four months ago. I want to give it to her as a gift . When she was really,she talk about it. Nothing happens but talk.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Lee. Does she have any idea who her father might be?

      Reply
  4. Megan

    I am 15 weeks pregnant and do not know who the father is. It is between two different men. I don’t want either of them to know I am getting a paternity tear done is that possible or do that have to know? Thank you.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Megan. No, you need to test at least one of the possible fathers.

      Reply
      • tracy

        can they be tested without informing its for DNA? maybe say its genetic testing or does the tester inform them its for a DNA test?

        Reply
        • DDC

          DNA collectors operate on the assumption that all parties understand what the test is for, and signatures are required.

          Reply
  5. Ciara

    Hi I’m pregnant and one of the alleged fathers wants nothing to do with this baby, I want to prove for peace of mind that he is the father, can I test his sister on the prenatal paternity test or does it have to be him specifically?
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Ciara. For a prenatal DNA test, only the alleged father can contribute his sample.

      Reply
      • Debra

        I have 2 girls both look very different. I know that can happen but who i thought was the father had 2 other children that look just like 1 of my girls and the other doesn’t look Anthony like them. It’s pretty much a no brainer but I want to be sure 100% before breaking the news to that child. Their father plays around saying he knows he’s not the real dad but she is his baby girl. I know not funny at all to me but i know it sticks in her head. I need to do aDNA test without either possible fathers. Somehow using just the 2 girls. Is it possible? Can i get one over the counter?

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Debra. There is no over-the-counter kit for this type of testing, no. DDC can do a half-sibling vs. full-sibling DNA test to determine if the girls have the same biological father or not. You would need to contribute your DNA as well. For a free confidential consultation, contact our experts directly at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern).

          Reply
  6. Jezebel

    I have a question, so i may have found my biological father, if so he passed away in 2010.
    His mother and father are still living, he has two biological brothers, and also has 8 known children.
    I moved away from the state of IL to the state of TN, i was wondering if there is anyway, i could possibly find somewhere close that would take my DNA sample, and find somewhere close to them in IL that could take his parents DNA or one of his brothers, and test it and mail a copy to each party?
    Due to the amount of travel time with two children, it would be very difficult for me to drive all the way there and back with no immediate answers.
    I also seen, if the father is not present something about needing the biological mothers DNA as well, her and i dont speak anymore.. is there a way it can be done this way, with me and either both parents or an uncle?
    How much would it cost, to do such a thing?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jezebel. If both the possible father’s parents are willing to test, it is very likely that you’ll get conclusive results, even without your mother’s participation. If you call us directly, we can send testing materials to you where you live and to them where they live. The cost of the test starts at $300. Just give us a call at 800-681-7162.

      Reply
  7. Gayle

    I am 53 yrs old. I was told about 6 years ago that the man that is on my birth certificate isn’t my biological father. I’ve questioned it myself. Anyway, my mother is deceased and the man i knew as my father is deceased. How can i find out if he was my biological dad or not. None of his siblings are living. My cousin from one of his sisters said she would do a dna test with me as i have no contact with my brother or sister. Would it tell me if he was my father or not doing the dna test with my cousin.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Gayle. You and your cousin only share 12.5% of your DNA, so the chances of getting anything near conclusive results is next to none. Sorry about that!

      Reply
  8. Pat

    If the baby and paternal grandfather were tested with a standard paternity test (not a grandparent’s test) and the result came back as 0%.
    Does this mean there is no chance the alleged father is the biological father? The mother and paternal grandmother were not tested.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Pat. The test answered one question and one question only: Is the man tested the biological father of the child tested? The answer is 0% probability of paternity, which is what you would expect. It does not mean there is no chance the alleged father is the biological father.

      Reply
  9. Julie

    To whom it may concern;
    Do I need to buy a,special DNA test from Walgreens because the father refuaes to be tested and I will be testing myself, the mother of the father.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Julie. The kit at Walgreens is specifically for testing one alleged father + one child + the mother. Since you are a grandparent, the testing process is different. Please call us at 800-681-7162 and one of our experts can assist you in ordering the test. Please keep in mind that if the child is a minor and you do not have the legal authority to act on behalf of the minor child, it is your responsibility to get the proper consent from the legal parent or guardian.

      Reply
  10. Mum

    I’ve just recently found out that my mother speculates my grandfather (who has passed) ‘might be my father’. I think this is impossible but she got pregnant very young and has never fessed up to who the ‘real’ ‘father’ may be. I need to put this nonsense to rest with some (or multiple) sort of official testing.
    What are my options here?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Mum. Are either of the men still living?

      Reply

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