Paternity Testing in a different country
Paternity testing is often required when a child or an alleged father is abroad. The process of performing this type of test will vary depending on the use of your results. In this post, we will discus the various types of international paternity tests people perform.
Immigration Paternity Testing
An international immigration paternity test is a DNA test that helps to determine if father and child are biologically related.
Applicants who submit insufficient primary evidence may be provided an opportunity to perform a paternity test by either USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration Services) or U.S. embassies.
Beneficiaries living abroad must have their DNA samples collected by an embassy or consulate in their country. Samples cannot be collected in your country by facility that is not recognized by the U.S. embassy.
Legal Paternity Test
A Legal test is another option that can occur when one party (father or child) lives in another country and the other party lives in the United States.
In most instances, the child resides abroad. In order to comply with the guidelines for performing a legal DNA test. A legal chain of custody must be created.
IDTO DNA Testing Center will coordinate DNA samples through one of the facilities in our network in the U.S. If we have a clinic in our network in the country, we will schedule an appointment for the party abroad
International legal paternity tests are often used to add the alleged father’s name to a child’s birth certificate.
Legal tests require a strict chain of custody be established perform by an accredited laboratory. Legal paternity tests in some countries can only be performed with a court order.
It is recommended that you seek a consultation with an international Family Law Attorney well-versed in the paternity establishment guidelines of the country abroad.
If you are in need of an international paternity test. Please contact our office today at 877-680-5800 to see if we service your country.
Non-legal Home DNA Paternity Tests (Peace of Mind)
This paternity testing option requires self-collection by all parties involved. It should be noted that some countries do not allow the purchase of Home DNA test kits into their country.
Purchasing a kit while in country with these guidelines may have fines or possible jail time. We recommend that you check with the specific country’s abroad DNA Testing guidelines before purchasing a Home DNA Test kit.
Contact our office today at 877-680-5800 to order your DNA test kit by phone or, to domestically order your DNA test kit online here.
Conclusion:
In summary, determining the right paternity test when the father lives abroad requires considering your intended use of the results. Immigration tests aim to verify biological relationships for legal purposes, often involving embassy-approved collectors.
Legal tests establish paternity with strict chain-of-custody protocols, potentially impacting child support or inheritance rights. Home DNA tests offer peace of mind but lack legal standing. Choosing the appropriate test empowers you to navigate this complex process effectively.
