A very nice gentleman (we’ll call him John) called our 800 line the other day and told me his story. His wife had just had a child, and he wanted a paternity test to gain peace of mind. He had done some research and found his options to be a home DNA test or a legal DNA test. He understood that the testing procedures are exactly the same, except for an extra set of eyes examining the test results. For the time being he had no intentions to use the test results in court. His primary needs were convenience and accuracy. He did mention that if the results came back negative he may move forward with a legally admissible test.
I use John’s story because it is similar to thousands of other men in the U.S. Their wife or significant other has a child, and the man wants peace of mind.
So, should John choose a home DNA test, or should he choose a legal test? First, let’s look at the advantages of the home test;
- It’s Cheaper – Because there is no collection fees or notary signature, a home DNA test is usually less expensive than a legal test.
- It’s More Private – Collection is done in the privacy of your own home.
- It’s Convenient – You don’t need to leave your living room.
Now, let’s look at the disadvantages;
- It’s Not Admissible – Home DNA test results are not court admissible for child support, custody, or birth certificates because there is no chain of custody. The samples need to be collected by an unbiased third party.
- It Could Cost You More In The Long Run – If your home test comes back negative, and you decide to go to court, you’ll need to pay the full amount of the legal test. Your options are to spend a little more now, or risk spending a lot more later.
John’s decision should be based on his needs. If there is any chance he might want the results to be admissible in court, then he should get a legal test from the beginning. If John knows he just wants peace of mind, he should feel comfortable choosing a home DNA test.
Always remember to choose a trusted DNA testing company to complete your test.
