Cost of a Paternity Test

Buyer beware

The cost of DNA paternity testing fluctuates depending upon when, how and where you do a paternity test. A home paternity test kit ranges from $150 to $700 in cost. A home paternity test kit is not legally binding - it would be useless in Court. However, if you’re simply seeking peace of mind, a home paternity test kitis the way to go. It is less expensive than the process necessary for a legal laboratory test, and it’s simple and it’s virtually painless.

For legal purposes, there really is no inexpensive or free paternity test kit. However, keep in mind that expensive is a relative when seeking peace of mind or legal support.

If you are seeking a legally binding DNA paternity test, you are required to follow a specific process, referred to as Chain of Custody, for identification and testing. Lab costs for DNA paternity tests range in price from $600 - $2000. Before making any financial commitment, be sure to read the fine print and ask questions – some testing facilities have hidden or extra charges and all labs require full payment before they will release the results to you.

Other variables affecting the cost of a paternity test might include:

· Are you choosing a local or international lab?

· Can the mother also be tested? If the mother is unable to provide a tissue sample, it will usually cost more.

· Is the alleged father deceased?

Most labs today are able to offer paternity tests even if the father is deceased. If a DNA sample is not available post-mortem, the tissue samples of paternal relatives can be profiled. The cost is higher and the accuracy of reporting may be somewhat lower. Be sure to address both of these concerns when you choose a lab for the DNA testing.

Finally, when considering and adding up the various costs of obtaining a DNA paternity test, keep in mind that there are usually charges for each individual being profiled. This means that charges exist to have the tissue samples of the mother, the alleged father, and the child reported. These costs may not be reflected in the initial quotes, brochures or advertisements, so be sure you have the final cost of your paternity test detailed to you before you make any commitment.