DNA relationship testing
DNA testing is legally defensible and provides irrefutable proof of parenthood, meaning your cases can move towards a resolution.
In family law and child custody disputes, DNA testing can be used to prove, beyond doubt, paternity, maternity, and any other family relations, from siblings, grandparents, aunt and uncles.
Types of DNA testing
A DNA paternity test is used to resolve any questions or doubts relating to the paternity of a child. This evidence is court admissible and legally defensible to resolve family law and childcare disputes.
A paternity test works by comparing the DNA profile of a child with the DNA profiles of their mother and alleged father. If the child’s mother is unavailable for testing, a motherless paternity test can often be performed.
Because a child inherits half of their genetic makeup from each biological parent, expert DNA analysts can look for patterns of inheritance among the individuals’ DNA profiles and conclusively determine whether the alleged father is the biological father of the child. If the alleged father shares certain DNA sequences with the child, there is a 99.99% chance of them being the father.
A standard paternity test involves the child, the mother, and the alleged father. By contributing a DNA sample, the mother assists the testing process. During the analysis, expert DNA staff can readily identify and eliminate their contribution to the child’s genetic profile and focus on the alleged father’s contribution.
Maternity testing can conclusively determine whether someone is the biological mother of a child. Positive tests can prove maternity with 99.99% accuracy.
Like a paternity test, a maternity test works by comparing the DNA profiles of a child, an alleged mother and, when available, the child’s father (a fatherless maternity test can be performed when the child’s father is not available for testing).
The genetic profiles of a biologically related mother and child will show predictable patterns of DNA inheritance.
A prenatal DNA test is an accurate and non-invasive way to determine paternity prior to a child’s birth. Once results are obtained, custody and care plans can be put in place ahead of the baby’s arrival..
A mouth swab is required from the alleged father and a blood sample is required from the arm of the biological mother. After profiling the mother and foetus, markers are compared against the alleged father’s DNA.
The test analyses free-floating foetal DNA from the mother’s plasma and compares it to the mother’s DNA profile. Once the foetus’ profile is determined, it is then compared to the alleged father to determine paternity.
The mother must be at least eight weeks pregnant as per confirmation from a medical professional and testing is unable to be undertaken on multiple pregnancies (i.e. twins and triplets).
Testing options for when the alleged father is not available.
Siblingship testing can help two alleged siblings verify whether they are siblings. Full siblings have the same mother and father.
A sibling DNA test is often performed when an alleged father is unavailable for a paternity test and his possible children would like to know if they have the same father.
A grandparent DNA test can determine whether a child is biologically related to the alleged grandparents.
A grandparentage test is based on the fact that a child inherits half of their genetic profile from each biological parent.
A legal aunt-uncle DNA test is taken to determine if a child is the biological niece or nephew of the alleged aunt or uncle.
The avuncular test is a viable option when the alleged father or mother is unavailable for testing and the only available relative is a brother or sister of the alleged father or mother
Why choose Lextox?
We have a team of dedicated client managers, ready to advise you on testing options, sample collections, pricing and much more. Our client managers provide a hassle-free, fully managed service from the moment you instruct us so you can devote more time to your casework. It’s like having an extra member of your team.
The only item you need on your check list is a Lextox client manager.
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