Legal Grandparent DNA Testing Services

What is a legal grandparentage test?

A legal grandparent test is a DNA test used for legal purposes and it determines if grandparent and grandchild have a biological relationship. This testing option requires an established chain of custody. An unbiased third-party DNA sample collector must collect the samples, and an AABB-accredited laboratory must test and analyze the DNA specimens collected from the tested parties. 

State and federal government agencies may require legal DNA test results to prove the claimed biological relationship. These may include 

• Vital Records for adding a mother’s name to a birth certificate, 
• USCIS to acquire a U.S. visa
• U.S. passport acquisition, 
• and Social Security Administration to claim benefits.

Please note: Grandchildren under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their mother or legal guardian.

What are the requirements for a legal grandparentage test in New York? 

Please note, New York State residents according to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines are required to submit one of the following documents before scheduling a legal maternity DNA test.

• A prescription referral from an NYS licensed doctor. The prescription must have each New York resident’s name on the prescription.
• A letter from an NYS licensed family law attorney
• Or, a court order from a judge.

Call 866-205-8356 to speak with a DNA consultant to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the process.

When is a legal DNA grandparent test needed?

The first question you should ask is whether you intend to use the results. Standard legal and immigration DNA testing have different requirements. If you need the maternity test results for legal purposes, some of the most common reasons for performing a legal grandparent test include:

1. Adoption cases for both domestic and international situations.
2. Birth certificate matters, such as adding a father’s name to a birth certificate.
3. Immigration purposes, when DNA testing is requested to establish a claimed biological relationship for a U.S. visa, immigration case, or U.S. passport.
4. Estate or inheritance cases involving a recently deceased alleged father.

These are some of the most common reasons a legal grandparent DNA test may be performed.

How does a legal DNA grandparent test work?

1. Schedule the test
Speak with a DNA consultant and provide the information needed to establish the case.

2. DNA sample collection appointment
Each participant provides identification and DNA samples are collected under chain-of-custody procedures.

3. Samples are sent to the laboratory
After your samples are collected, the samples are shipped to our partner AABB-accredited laboratory for comparative analysis.

4. Receive your results
Results are typically available within two to three business days after all samples arrive at the laboratory. A copy of your results will mailed to your home and an additional copy will be emailed to you.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Contact our office at 866-205-8356 and allow one of our DNA consultants to assist you with scheduling an appointment at a collection location near you. Below are the locations we serve.