Such a test may be required to establish a lineage going back to grandparents. This is called Grandparentage DNA Testing. Often, this kind of testing is used in conjunction with parental testing to further establish the relationship of a child to a particular family.
A direct paternity test is always the best option to determine a biological relationship between a child and alleged father. In instances where the alleged father is unavailable or unwilling to participate in DNA testing, Grandparentage DNA Testing is another option to consider.
Legal DNA Tests vs. Informational DNA Tests
Which One Do I Need?
Legal DNA Tests
A Legal DNA Test is required when the results will be used in any legal process. A legal test requires that several procedures and documentation are safeguarded, therefore, the test is performed at an approved collection site on the person(s) to be tested since the chain of custody for a sample must be maintained throughout the process. A witness who is not part of the family must be present when the DNA is collected.
Legal DNA Tests should be used for:
- Child support or custody cases
- Visitation rights
- Medical, military, or social security benefits
- Adding or removing a name from a birth certificate
- Adoption cases
- Inheritance cases (biological relationship with the person who has died)
Informational DNA Tests*
Informational DNA Tests are performed for informational or “Peace of Mind” purposes, and therefore do not carry the strict requirements of Legal DNA tests. The sample can be collected by anybody, and they can be anonymous if they want to. For Informational DNA Testing, a kit will be sent directly to you, and the test can be performed in your home and sent back to the lab. Of course, the results cannot be used in legal cases.
If you don't need results for legal reasons like child support or custody, the advantages of an Information DNA Test are:
- Get answers FAST!
- You can order an at-home DNA paternity test kit directly from ReliaLab Test.
- You can collect your DNA in the comfort of your own home with a simple cheek swab.
* - Informational DNA Test can not be administered in the State of New York. All DNA tests in the State of New York must be legal DNA tests.
Order a Grandparentage DNA Test
If you live in the Middle Tennessee area, contact our office to order and DNA Test. Orders submitted by 2 PM CST Monday-Friday will be shipped the same day you order. Orders placed on a weekend will be processed the following Monday.
