A legal DNA test is a straightforward test which can establish the parentage of a child or children. It is used when a court has ordered that a DNA paternity test must be undertaken.

Legal DNA testing is most likely to be carried out if you:

Need a legal DNA test for Child Support Agency (CSA) reasons

You want to change a birth certificate

You are a legal professional or social worker who needs a DNA test for a client

You need a legal test if a court has ordered that a test must be undertaken to confirm a relationship. It’s usually under Section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969. You must have your samples witnessed by an independent person who has no interest in the outcome of your case (often a GP, nurse, solicitor or government representative).

A legal DNA test must be conducted in the presence of a witness. Taking a sample is an easy, simple and pain-free process that requires a swab to be rubbed inside your mouth to collect a sample of cheek cells.

Your sample will then be returned to us in secure packaging, in order for our scientists to perform the DNA testing and provide a report. These stricter conditions eliminate any possibility of the sample being interfered with, ensuring the results are admissible in a court of law.

If you have any questions or queries about our legal and court-ordered DNA tests, you will find all the answers in our FAQs section here

We have been conducting legal and court-ordered DNA test for many years, and all our tests are admissible to UK courts and recognised by the Ministry of Justice.

Our laboratories and processes are fully accredited, giving you the maximum assurance

We have an abundance of experience in working with the courts, and our standards and processes are acceptable to the courts

We are listed by the Ministry of Justice as an approved supplier for legal and court- ordered DNA testing services

We have a robust chain of custody, meaning our evidence will be legally considered in court

All tests and results are fully confidential

We don’t cost the earth

We have your best interests at heart