Affordable vs. Court-Ordered Paternity Tests in Jackson MS: Key Differences to Know
Paternity testing is a sensitive and deeply personal matter, but in some cases, it also becomes a legally significant process—particularly in family law proceedings like child custody, child support, and inheritance cases. In Mississippi, as in other places in the United States, there are essentially 2 broad categories of paternity test: “non-legal” tests or “legal” paternity tests. While both tests can establish biological parentage with high levels of accuracy, they differ greatly in their legal standing, procedural requirements, cost, admissibility in court, and chain of custody requirements. It’s important for mothers and fathers, as well as attorneys and other legal personnel to understand these differences so you can choose the right test for your situation. Keep reading to learn the distinct differences between a court-ordered test and cheap paternity testing in Jackson, MS.
What Are Non-Legal Paternity Tests?
An affordable or non-legal paternity test, sometimes called an “information paternity test,” “peace of mind test” is a DNA-based test that uses cheek swabs from both the child and the suspected father. These are designed to establish biological parentage for personal knowledge or your own peace of mind, and cannot be used in legal proceedings. Although the lab test is the same, they’re a useful option for those who want answers, but don’t need the formal certification that comes with a court-sanctioned process.
Just like with legal paternity tests, non-legal tests use a scientific technology called polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, to analyze certain genetic markers in the swab samples. It’s an incredibly reliable form of testing, with positive results often exceeding 99.99% probability of accuracy, and negative results usually providing a very confident 0% likelihood of paternity.
So, if they use the same testing technology, why aren’t they admissible in court? This is because these tests don’t follow the same strict chain of custody procedures that are required for legal admissibility. Essentially, a court can’t verify that samples were collected and handled correctly, or even that the sample came from the person involved in the court case, with a non-legal test, so they can’t make important legal decisions based on their results.
What Are the Benefits of Non-Legal Tests?
Simply put, not everyone needs a legal test. If your paternity test hasn’t been ordered by the court, or you are not needing legal documentation for child support or other benefits, the nonlegal teat is perfect.
Of course, you should keep in mind that the results of your test will never be admissible if there ever are any court proceedings related to parentage. Should such a case arise, you’ll need to pay for another (this time, legal) paternity test. Just remember, a non-legal test is for people who are seeking information, not enforcement.
What Is a Legal Paternity Test?
Tou will need a legal test for child support agency, a family law court, a custody case, or a parent/guardian seeking benefits from child support, paternity proof after a death, etc . The results of these tests can be entered into a formal record and used to enforce child support, modify official documents like birth certificates, or settle disputes about parentage in a court of law.
These tests use the same scientific methods for testing as a non-legal test, but the main difference here is in the legal requirements and chain of custody. From sample collection to analysis, every step of legal paternity testing must be carefully documented. The identities of every participant—the child, the alleged father, and often the mother too—must be verified using valid ID before testing can occur. Every sample must be sealed, documented, and tracked, and a court or authorized third-party needs to oversee all of it to ensure integrity.
Legal paternity tests must be performed by accredited laboratories that follow strict guidelines to ensure their tests are admissible in court. Test reports will also include affidavits or chain of custody declarations required by the court to attest to the validity of the results. With all these legal safeguards in place, legal tests can be used as evidence in court for child support, custody, adoption, and other legal purposes.
What are the cost differences?
Mobile Drug Scree has partnered with a leading forensic DNA laboratory. Our volume and accuracy have allowed us the provide the best prices in the area. Our volume with the lab has enabled us to keep our prices low. How low? Legal Paternity DNA, one father-one child is only $180. Our nonlegal DNA Paternity test is only $140. Our goal is to provide the best service, for the best price.
Visit Mobile Drug Screen for Reliable Paternity Testing
If you’re seeking an affordable paternity test in Jackson, MS, Mobile Drug Screen can provide the fast, affordable, reliable results that you’re looking for to give you personal information and peace of mind about your child’s paternity. For those who have been court-ordered to take a paternity test, or if you need your paternity test results to be admissible in a court of law, Mobile Drug Screen can also provide legal paternity tests, adhering to the highest standards of testing and all legal requirements to ensure that your test results can be used as evidence in your court case. Contact us today to schedule your lab-based paternity testing.