Common “peace-of-mind” reasons
- All adults involved agree they want clarity for personal reasons.
- No active court case or legal dispute – you simply want an answer.
- You need written results for personal records, not for an official authority.
Paternity DNA testing – clear options for a difficult decision.
Many people only look at paternity DNA tests once in their lives – often during a stressful situation. Paternity.bio exists to explain the main test types in plain language and to compare a small set of reputable providers, without dramatic marketing or legal claims.
- Understand the difference between peace-of-mind and court-admissible paternity tests.
- Compare turnaround time, sample collection and typical pricing across leading labs.
- See when an at-home kit is not enough and you should speak with a lawyer or healthcare professional instead.
We are not a laboratory and we do not sell tests. We compare a handful of independent
providers and link to them using affiliate links when available.
When does a paternity DNA test make sense?
A paternity DNA test compares the child’s DNA with a potential father’s DNA to see whether there is a biological relationship. Kits differ mainly in how the samples are collected, whether the results are legally documented, and how the results may be used.
Situations that may require a legal test
- Child support, custody or inheritance cases in court.
- Immigration or citizenship processes where DNA evidence is requested.
- Any situation where a judge or government authority must rely on the result.
What this site does not do
- We do not give legal advice or tell you which test a court will accept.
- We do not store or handle DNA samples – all testing is done by external labs.
- We do not encourage testing without proper consent. Always follow local laws.
Paternity DNA test options – side-by-side comparison
The table below compares a small number of well-known paternity and family-testing options. We focus on how the tests are typically used. Always confirm details on the provider’s own website before ordering – including whether a particular kit is peace-of-mind only or has a legal / court-admissible variant in your region.
| Provider | Best for | Legal / court option | Turnaround time | Sample collection | Typical price range | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paternity Lab
Dedicated paternity lab
|
Focused paternity testing for individuals and families who want a specialised provider. |
Offers legal & peace-of-mind options (region-specific)
Check whether the kit you select is clearly marked as “legal” in your country.
|
Often around 2–3 business days after samples reach the lab. | Cheek swabs, usually collected at home or at an approved collection site. | Typically mid to high three-figure USD / EUR for legal tests. | View Paternity Lab options |
|
Peekaboo / empowerDX
Early gender & related lab tests
|
At-home lab tests for early gender insight and related screening – more about pregnancy planning and information than legal paternity. |
Not designed as a court paternity test
These products are generally for personal information. They are not marketed as
legal paternity tests.
|
Varies by specific test – often several days after lab receives the sample. | Sample type depends on the test (blood spot, swab or similar). | Pricing varies widely by product; often similar to advanced lab panels. | View Peekaboo & related tests |
|
MyHeritage DNA (ancestry)
Family matching & relatives
|
Building family trees, discovering relatives and exploring ancestry – not formal paternity testing, but sometimes used to understand wider family relationships. |
Not a formal paternity test
Results may show close-relative matches, but they are not packaged as a legal
paternity product and may not meet any court standard.
|
Results usually within a few weeks after the sample reaches the lab. | Simple cheek swab collected at home and mailed back. | Often heavily discounted on Amazon and the provider’s own site. | View MyHeritage DNA kit |
|
Local accredited lab / clinic
When in legal or complex cases
|
Cases involving lawyers, judges, immigration authorities or complex family situations where documentation and chain of custody are critical. |
Often best route for court-admissible testing
Your lawyer or health professional can often refer you to an accredited lab that
matches your local rules.
|
Depends on the lab; many offer expedited options for an additional fee. | Samples collected and documented in person according to strict procedures. | Typically higher than at-home kits, reflecting documentation requirements. | Usually arranged directly via a clinic, lawyer or the lab’s own website. |
The information above is editorial and approximate, based on how these services are commonly positioned as of 2025. It is not a guarantee about any individual product. Always read the latest details on the provider’s own site before you order.
Which type of paternity test fits your situation?
| Test type | Typical use | Legal standing | Collection & consent | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace-of-mind paternity (at-home) | Personal clarity for families where everyone agrees and there is no active legal case. | Generally not designed to be used in court. Wording varies by provider. | Cheek swabs collected at home. You are responsible for following consent rules in your country and for sending the samples correctly. | Lower price point; often the cheapest way to get a basic answer. |
| Court-admissible paternity | Situations involving judges, child support, custody, inheritance or immigration. | Designed to meet specific legal standards in a given jurisdiction, with formal reports. | Samples are usually collected at an approved site with identity checks and documented chain of custody. Often organised through a lawyer or clinic. | Higher cost; you pay for documentation, procedures and expert reporting. |
| Prenatal / pregnancy-related testing | Tests taken during pregnancy for information about the baby (such as sex or certain traits). | Varies widely. Many are informational only and not intended as legal evidence. | Sample type varies (for example blood draw or special collection). Always discuss with your healthcare professional before ordering. | Often the most expensive category; may involve specialised lab techniques. |
1. Consent & ethics
Laws about DNA testing and consent differ between countries and even regions. In many places, collecting or testing someone’s DNA without proper consent can be illegal. Always make sure you understand the rules where you live, and aim for transparent communication within the family wherever possible.
2. Legal vs. non-legal use
A result that is perfectly clear to you personally can still be unusable in a court. If there is any chance your situation could become legal, speak with a lawyer or accredited lab before you purchase an at-home kit, so you do not have to repeat the test later.
3. Privacy & data handling
Read each provider’s privacy policy, data retention rules and options for sample destruction or account deletion. Ask yourself whether you are comfortable with how long your DNA and personal information may be stored and how it may be used in the future.
Paternity DNA FAQ
Are at-home paternity kits reliable?
Modern paternity tests from accredited labs can be highly accurate when samples are collected and processed correctly. However, accuracy also depends on lab quality and following instructions. For legal cases, courts usually require tests to be performed under strict chain-of-custody procedures, not just mailed from home.
Can I use a peace-of-mind test in court later?
In many jurisdictions, peace-of-mind kits are not accepted as legal evidence because the lab cannot verify who provided the samples. If there is a realistic chance of a legal dispute, talk to a lawyer or an accredited local lab about a court-admissible option rather than relying on a home kit.
How long does a paternity test take?
Labs often report results within a few working days after they receive the samples, although shipping can add time. Faster processing is sometimes available for an additional fee. Always check the provider’s current estimates before ordering.
Will the test reveal other sensitive information?
Most dedicated paternity labs report only whether the tested man is the biological father. Wider ancestry or health providers may show additional relatives, ethnic breakdowns or traits. If you want to limit what you learn, choose a focused paternity product rather than a broad ancestry kit.
Is this site affiliated with any specific lab?
Paternity.bio is operated by an independent publisher. We may earn commissions when you buy through links on this site from providers such as Paternity Lab, Peekaboo and other partners. We do not sell tests ourselves and we do not accept payment for higher rankings.
Paternity.bio does not provide medical, legal or psychological advice. All information on this site is for general educational and comparison purposes only. Decisions about DNA testing, family matters and legal cases should always be taken in consultation with qualified professionals in your jurisdiction.
This website is reader-supported. When you order products via links on this page, we may earn a small commission from partners such as labs or online retailers. This does not change how we describe or compare the products.