Legal vs Peace-of-Mind Paternity Testing: What’s the Difference?

Legal paternity testing follows documented chain-of-custody procedures and may be used in court proceedings. Peace-of-mind testing is intended for personal knowledge and generally does not include the documentation required for court use.

What Is Legal Paternity Testing?

Legal testing includes:

  • Participant identification
  • Chain-of-custody documentation
  • Professional sample collection
  • Secure specimen handling

What Is Peace-of-Mind Testing?

Peace-of-mind testing is typically used when individuals simply want answers for personal reasons.

Which Test Should You Choose?

The appropriate test depends on how the results will be used.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can peace-of-mind results be used in court?

No.

Why is legal testing more expensive?

Additional documentation and collection procedures are required. Also, a notary signs off on the results.

Do both tests use DNA analysis?

Yes.