If you are ordered by a court to get a DNA test for a custody hearing, you want to know that your sample is secure from the beginning of the process until the very end. Test Smartly Labs carefully follows Chain of Custody procedures to make sure that the sample’s integrity is intact in case it is needed for evidence. Learn more about the Chain of Custody and why it’s important in some paternity cases:
DNA Samples for Case Evidence
In some custody cases, the suspected father of the child may be required to take a paternity test to prove or disprove fatherhood depending on the specifics of the case. Chain of Custody is used when the sample is taken so that the results can be accepted as valid and accurate by the judge who is presiding over the case. Every step must be accounted for during this process by the accredited lab that performed the test, and the lab must verify the identities of all tested participants to ensure that the results are correct. Identification can usually occur with a photo ID, birth certificate, passport, or other forms of legal documentation.
It’s essential for the Chain of Custody to be followed to the letter because the outcome of the test needs to be recognized by the court before a custody ruling can be made. It’s also essential for the courts to verify that the person administering the test has no interest in the outcome of the test.
The Difference Between Legal and Non-Legal Paternity Tests
So why are the rules so severe for court-ordered paternity tests and non-legal tests? The main difference is the legal dependence. Court-ordered paternity tests must undergo Chain of Custody procedures and be verified so that the judge can be certain of the results before making a ruling. Non-legal tests follow the same professional, confidential procedures, but aren’t necessarily required by law. Anyone can get a paternity test to establish peace of mind.
If you need to get a paternity test for any reason, legal or non-legal, trust Test Smartly Labs to handle your results. We respect Chain of Custody requirements and know how important accuracy can be in the outcome of a case.
Test Smartly Labs provides accurate, confidential DNA tests. To learn more about our DNA Testing Services, contact Test Smartly Labs today at (816) 800-9699. We have four lab locations in the greater Kansas City area!