If you are an unwed father and want to be a part of your child's life, start with a paternity test. Until a court says you are the father, you won't get the legal rights given to a Dad.

If someone claims you're a father, make sure with a DNA test before you assume a lifelong obligation.

Type of Testing and Fee:

Chain of Custody Test (court admissible test):   $375.00

Chain of Custody tests are performed at our facility and processed by an accredited DNA lab.

The Chain of Custody is a documentation process required to make the DNA test results legally defensible (accepted by many courts and other government agencies). The Chain of Custody assures the court and other government agencies involved in the case that:

• Samples are collected by a neutral third party, Fathers Resource Center
• The individuals tested are positively identified (i.e. They present a government-issued ID such as a driver license).
• The samples are carefully tracked throughout the DNA testing process.

In a Chain of Custody case, each tested party is asked to complete a Client Identification and Consent Form. The legal guardian of a minor should sign the minor’s consent form.

All of Fathers Resource Center’s DNA tests are performed in our facility using the Chain of Custody to make the results legally defensible.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (916) 739-0894.

What is DNA for Dads?

DNA for Dads is a program created by Fathers Resource Center and a nationally accredited DNA lab.

How long does it take to get the test results back?

From the time the sample is sent in, it requires about 5-7 days to get the results.

Does my child have to endure having a blood sample taken?

No. A sample can be taken with a swab from inside the cheek. The results of this less intrusive sample are as valid as a blood sample.

The mother is not cooperating. Does she have to give a sample?

No. With only the father and child, paternity can be established with at least 99 percent accuracy. Most courts regard as adequate. With father, child, and mother, the accuracy level rises to at least 99.9 percent.

I can't really afford a DNA test now. Can I get one at any time?

Many (perhaps most) states require you to submit DNA results at the first Child Support or Custody Hearing. If you don't do it then, you may well have waived the right to do so later; even if you determine the child is indeed not yours biologically. This is even true of divorces: If you don't question paternity in the divorce, you may not be able to do it later. The wisest approach: Get the DNA test now.

I need help with the legal issues concerning paternity and DNA testing.

Call Fathers Resource Center at (916) 739-0894 and we can help you with your legal questions.

Good reasons to establish paternity

Paternity provides the child of unmarried parents the same legal rights of a child born to married parents. Those rights include:

• Support from both parents
• Legal documentation of who the parents are
• Access to family medical history to learn of diseases, illnesses, birth defects, and other health problems that can be passed on by parents
• Medical and life insurance from either parent, if available
• Inheritance rights
• Social Security and veterans’ benefits, if available
• An unmarried father can have his name added to the child’s birth certificate