Why a legal test?
Typically clients would use legal testing as a proof of paternity or as declaration of paternity. Judicial testing has also been used to change the name on birth certificate, provide child support and other such related issues. For those clients who only have doubts about the issue of paternity or any other alleged relationship, we often recommend starting with a home/ peace of mind test. Basing oneself upon the results of a home test, clients can then decide whether any legal test is necessary.
We offer legal DNA testing services on a range of tests including
- Paternity testing
- Relationship testing
- DNA profiling and genetic fingerprinting
Results for your test will first be emailed within 7-14 working days starting from the moment we receive your samples at the laboratory. The price for the Legal Paternity Test is .
Note: Testing additional people will increase the cost of the test. Different tests come at different prices.
Collecting DNA samples: The Chain of Custody
At no stage can the alleged father, mother or the child handle or touch their own DNA samples. Legal DNA tests must follow a certain protocol for sample collection (known as the chain of custody) which entails all DNA be collected by a third party person we refer to as the sampler – the sampler is not only the person who collects the samples but is also witness to the sample collection. This means he or she will verify the identity of each participant. You may request a doctor or nurse to act as sampler; in some cases, diplomatic offices, embassies, prisons and penitentiaries will have their own appointed sampler which you will need to use to collect the required samples. The sampler usually charges a small fee which you will need to cover yourself; it is not included in our costs.
The role of the sampler is to
- Collect the DNA samples from all test participants (view our sample collection page for more information about this).
- Allow the samples to dry, seal them and return them for testing.
- Fill in the required paper work and forms.
- Sign documentation and photographs provided.
Documentation: What you need to take with you
The chain of custody requires that every person taking part in the test be identified by:
Presenting two passport photos. Photos must be recent, in colour and showing a clear face, unobstructed by any head gear or hair.
Identification documents that are recognized in the country in which sampling is taking place.
In China, a driving license is the de facto national identity card as the country does not have identity cards. Birth certificates (in the case of babies) and passports are also valid identification documents in China.
If you only require your paternity test for information purposes then visit our China paternity testing main page.
Approved Sampler
If you are looking for a fully qualified and licensed Sampler, we recommend contacting Timothy McMichael at the www.thecounsellingpractice.co.nz
DNA testing for immigration
GTLDNA offers immigration DNA testing which conforms to the requirement imposed by the INZ, Immigration China. Immigration testing follows the same sample collection as a legal DNA test although sample collection is often organized at an embassy or consulate. Read the following page for more information about immigration tests.