COURT ORDERED DNA paternity TEST.
WHO PAYS FOR IT?

court ordered

Court-Ordered Paternity tests, Who pays for a DNA test in court?

 There are only two options in which the parties involved have to choose. One, if the parties involved choose to perform a paternity test privately. Meaning they will pay out of pocket. 

Second, if the parties involved decide to settle their paternity issue through the courts. If the second option is your choice. Then it is important to note. Normally, a Judge decides whether the parties involved need the assistance of the state.

If the alleged father is unable to pay for a paternity test during the court proceeding. The court may opt to have the state pay for your DNA test. But, in most states, the petitioning party will have to reimburse the state. We recommend seeking a family law professional in your state to inquire about whether the court will provide non-reimbursement DNA testing services.

If you would like to coordinate your DNA Testing appointment today or have questions about court-ordered DNA Testing please contact IDTO at 877-680-5800.

How to get a court ordered paternity test?

A Court Ordered DNA Test is a product of a disagreement between an alleged father and mother. In order to bridge the differences many times, the mother or the alleged father will file with the courts a Paternity Petition.

Below are the people that have the ability to file for Paternity Petition with Family Court.

  • the child’s mother
  • a man who believes he is the father
  • the child or child’s guardian
  • the Department of Social Services if the child is getting public assistance

It is important to note, court-ordered DNA Tests normally pertain to unmarried couples.

If you would like to coordinate your DNA Testing appointment today or have questions about court-ordered DNA Testing please contact IDTO at 877-680-5800.

How much is a Court-Ordered DNA Test? Private Paternity Testing?

The first thing you will need to acquire is one of the following, a prescription, a court-ordered (petition must be filed first) or, a letter from a New York State licensed attorney requesting a DNA test.  Unfortunately, having one of these documents is a requirement to perform DNA testing in New York State. 

After you acquire one of the above options. Contact IDTO at 877-680-5800 to coordinate your appointment date and time.

How long does a Court Order Paternity Test take?

If the court decides the state will pay for your DNA test. The turnaround time for your DNA result may be anywhere from an average time of 5-8 weeks.

IDTO DNA paternity testing court-admissible services have an average turnaround time of  2 to 3 business days from the date on which the laboratory receives all samples.

It is also important to note if the state pays for your DNA test. In most instances, you will be responsible for repaying the state for the upfront costs of your paternity test.

Is a paternity test required for child support?

A judge or magistrate will determine if a paternity test will need to be performed if an unmarried mother is trying to establish the paternity of her child.

Can a father refuse a court-ordered paternity test?

Yes. If an alleged father receives a court order and does respond to the court order. The alleged father may be held in contempt of court by the Judge or run the risk of a fine and/or jail time.

Can a mother refuse a court-ordered DNA test?

Yes. If a mother decides not to cooperate with a Judge or Magistrate’s request for DNA testing. The mother may run the risk of being held in contempt of court.

Now, if the mother can provide a plausible reason for refusing to allow the child to perform a paternity test and the Judge accepts her request. Then the DNA test can be avoided.

How to get started with court-admissible paternity testing in New York State?

The first thing you will need to acquire is one of the following,

  1. a prescription,
  2. a court-ordered (petition must be filed first)
  3. a letter from a New York State licensed Family Law Attorney requesting a paternity test.  

Unfortunately, having one of these documents is a requirement to perform DNA testing in New York State.