How To Get A Court Ordered Paternity Test?
Get Reliable, Efficient and Accurate DNA Testing By A Trusted Source
How do I get a court order DNA test in New Jersey?
A court-ordered paternity test can only be issued by a Family Court Judge or Magistrate. To obtain one, you must file a paternity petition with the family court in the city where the child was born.
Please note that the court will only issue an order for a paternity test if it accepts your petition. Court-ordered paternity tests are commonly performed for unmarried parents who disagree about the paternity of a child.
Before filing a paternity petition in your city, we recommend consulting with a family law attorney regarding paternity establishment guidelines in your state. This can help ensure you understand the process and requirements specific to your jurisdiction.
Common reasons to perform court order testing:
Below are the common scenarios a court order is issued to determine the paternity of a child.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Inheritance
- Birth certificate: Adding a father’s name to the birth certificate.
How much does court-ordered paternity test cost in NJ?
A court ordered paternity test cost will depend if your DNA test is being performed with Family Court oversight or if you are paying out of pocket.
Out-of pocket Paternity Test Cost
The cost of a legal paternity test starts at $375.00. Contact our office at 973-718-4515 to schedule an appointment today.
All legal paternity tests are performed by our partner The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB)-accredited lab.
| Service | Cost | Court Admissibility |
| Legal Paternity Test (Father and Child w/Mother) | The price starts at $375.00 | Yes |
Family Court Paternity Testing Cost
At the paternity hearing the judge will provide alleged father and mother with instruction regarding state paid for DNA testing. Included with your instructions will be your possible DNA sample collection costs and possible state reimbursement for the cost of the DNA test.
We are unaware of any fixed pricing offered by Family Courts in New Jersey. Pricing may vary depending on the jurisdiction in New Jersey.
Who pays for a court ordered DNA test?
Court ordered paternity tests are paid for by the participants involved in the DNA test. In our experience the alleged father pays for the DNA paternity test.
How long does a court-order DNA test take?
If the court decides to pay for your genetic test. The average turnaround time for your DNA result would be 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
We provide professional court-admissible paternity testing services which have an average turnaround time of 2-3 business days from the date on which the laboratory receives all samples.
It is also important to note if the state pays for your DNA test. In most instances, you will be responsible for repaying the state for the upfront costs of your paternity test.
Where can I get a court admissible paternity test in New Jersey?
Call 973-718-4515 to schedule an in-office appointment or mobile collection today. Below are the areas we cover in New Jersey.
DNA Testing Locations Nearby
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Salem County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is court ordered paternity Tests?
Yes, our legal paternity testing services are highly accurate, with a typical accuracy rate of 99.99% or higher. Our laboratory tests up to 22 DNA markers (loci) to ensure reliable results.
Our partner lab is AABB-accredited and follows internationally recognized testing standards. When properly administered, court-ordered paternity tests provide highly reliable results, giving you confidence in determining biological parentage.
Can I use a Home DNA Paternity test for court?
No. Home DNA test kits do not adhere to the proper chain of custody guidelines necessary for the family court to accept your paternity test result. Home Paternity DNA Testing is informational test for peace of mind purposes only.
COMPARISON CHART
| Service | Court Admissibility | Who Pays |
| Home Tests | No | Out-of-pocket cost |
| Legal DNA Tests | Yes | Out-of-pocket cost |
| Court-Ordered DNA Tests | Yes | State may cover full or partial payment. |
Can I refuse a court-ordered DNA test?
Yes. But, you must understand that there is a consequence for refusing to appear in court. The Judge would most likely hold you in contempt of court and depending on your state this may entail some jail time and/or a fine.
Please check with your state’s paternity testing laws or seek the advice of a legal professional in your state.
Can I get a court-ordered paternity test without a lawyer in NJ?
Yes. You can request a court-ordered paternity test in New Jersey without hiring an attorney. The first step is to obtain a Paternity Acknowledgment Form, which can be downloaded from your state’s official government website or found through a simple online search.
After completing and filing the form with the court, a judge will review your petition. Once accepted, the court will initiate the process of locating the alleged father. If the alleged father is the petitioner, the court order will be issued to the mother or custodial parent, depending on who has custody of the child.
