In order to perform a court-ordered paternity test through the courts, a petition or allegation must be claimed through New Jersey Family Court. Once the claim has been made the process to establish the paternity of the child will begin in roughly 3 months or 90 days to locate the father. This is assuming the alleged father did not file the claim himself.
Who pays for a DNA test in court?
Over the years, we have seen two scenarios play out in court in regards to who pays for a DNA test.
1. If the alleged father or mother is financially able to pay for their own DNA test the judge will rule a paternity test be performed and the parties involved normally an alleged father will be responsible to pay for the DNA test.
Performing a DNA test privately or out of pocket has a much quicker turnaround time. If you-you would like to perform a Court-Admissible Legal Paternity Test in New Jersey please contact our office today at 973-609-5102 for appointments.
2. If the judge deems the parties involved are unable to pay for the DNA test themselves. Then the judge may decide to allow the state to pay for the DNA test. Please note, It is our understanding that when the state pays for a DNA test this is not free. The party/s involved will be responsible for reimbursing the state.
Performing a DNA test through the state has a longer turnaround time of 6-8 weeks. Often times DNA tests run through the courts do not test on as many markers as private DNA testing labs. This is important to note if time is important and you need to determine who the biological father is, you may need to use a private DNA parentage lab.
If you prefer performing a legal Court-Ordered DNA Test privately in New Jersey instead of DNA testing through the NJ Family Court. Please contact our office today at 973-609-5102 for appointments.
How is paternity established in New Jersey?
When it comes to establishing who the father is in the state of New Jersey. There are several ways this can be executed.
1. An alleged father can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) at the hospital or, The VAP can be signed at the local registrar’s office in your city in New Jersey.
2. File petition to establish paternity with Family Court. This can be done by the mother, custodial parent other than the mother or, a man who believes he is the biological father of a child.
3. If a child is born during a marriage the husband is automatically assumed to be the biological father of the child by the state.
Top scenarios a DNA test is used by a Family Court:
1. Child Support
2. Child Custody
3. Adoption
