A "legal" paternity test costs twice as much as a regular, at-home paternity test. It's the same thing but somehow twice the price.

KrazyJazz · 2023-08-05T14:52:48+00:00

At least you can have a "legal" paternity test without asking permission. In my country, only a judge can order it. Should you decide to get one anyway, be ready for jail and a seriously hefty fine. Because they have, you know, "the best interest of the child" in mind...

Current_Finding_4066 · 2023-08-05T14:51:02+00:00

MAybe there is more paperwork or they simply know they can charge you more.

So-Contribution · 2023-08-05T15:42:50+00:00

Still, $525 is a small sum if it helps to dodge paternity fraud.

BurnAfterEating420 · 2023-08-05T16:45:41+00:00

A court admissible test has to have an intact chain of custody and the company can be subject to subpoena over it

It makes perfect sense for it to cost more

CoolEconomist575 · 2023-08-05T14:56:30+00:00

Allot of times Labs charge extra for the Chain of custody and QA/QC paperwork/process required for samples that involve legal actions.

Intelligent-Term · 2023-08-05T15:15:35+00:00

Probably because at home tests can be disputed in court. The 'legal' test probably has extra steps and protections, so of course they're going to gouge you on the price.

I wonder how many men bought the 'at home' test and their ex's lawyer and the judge quickly batted it down, making them spend $525 anyway in the end.

It's like the stupid traffic court. Hire a lawyer to defend you and you'll have to spend more money than the fine, but the result will most likely be that it doesn't go on your record.

Like I've said before, our legal system is broken and it's a 'pay to play' system.

elebrin · 2023-08-05T19:32:32+00:00

They aren't quite the same thing.

The legal version is going to have a whole set of chain of custody documents with it to prove that the tested samples came from the right source and weren't tampered with.

With the official one, you are going to put your sample in the tube, and a person will place a paper seal on it with an ID. Then they fill out a form with the date, the ID, your info, the court case number, all of that. Then, when the tube arrives at the lab, the paperwork is double checked as having come from the correct person and place, and a record of that is made along with notes about the state of the seal. Then it will be unsealed and tested, without any other samples being tested alongside.

When you send yours in there is no chain of custody, there is no court case, none of that BS. You get to know, but none of it is legally binding. If paternity is still contested, the judge can order another test this time with the right documentation and they are right to do so.

Ohadi_Nacnud · 2023-08-05T20:50:23+00:00

I have a strong belief that if DNA tests were done at birth it would fix a lot of todays issues.

hwjk1997 · 2023-08-05T17:56:41+00:00

I assume the legal one has all the paperwork done for you, which seems like a pretty good deal in case the woman takes you to court.

Realistic_Practice16 · 2023-08-05T21:37:57+00:00

The legal one can be used in court because it has chain of custody and id. Presumably they keep records than can be subpoenaed too.

I’m getting a legal prenatal one done and it’s $1500!

Trusty_Pigeon · 2023-08-06T00:02:12+00:00

I can shed some light. I worked for a forensic company for 6 years.

The legal tests are done under medical supervision and require a passport photograph (at minimum) and/or ID be presented.

The certification and final product are suitable for legal matters such as child maintenance, immigration, court hearings, and birth certificate changes.

The at-home tests are identical in testing but don't verify identity, and sadly, can't be used for legal matters.

GFP-transfected · 2023-08-06T04:17:24+00:00

As everyone has said before me. There are associated costs in regard to the Chain of Custody and testifying in court. I used to be a genetic forensic analyst.

Fuzzy_Department2799 · 2023-08-05T17:28:32+00:00

Anytime a local state or government contract is involved you can expect the cost to be double or triple of retail. At lest in the US.

vegansoymilk · 2023-08-05T23:08:34+00:00

In Australia you need to apply to the courts for the result to be legally valid. The court can refuse for the test to occur.

https://jbsolicitors.com.au/paternity-testing-australia-law/

wrstlr3232 · 2023-08-05T18:34:38+00:00

In the US? That’s how everything is. Tylenol, syringes, insulin. Anything that can be marked up, is. That’s capitalism. Simple economics

KelVarnsenIII · 2023-08-06T00:45:49+00:00

They have to squeeze you for every cent they can get. I'm sure there's a legal court ordered test and company you have to use too so they get their TITLE IV D piece of the pie too.

MaximumYes · 2023-08-06T19:04:13+00:00

I work in aerospace engineering. You are paying for the paperwork that proves the certification. Full stop.

ButWhatOfGlen · 2023-08-06T02:13:44+00:00

It's that ol' scrotum tax again...

taklbox · 2023-08-06T03:00:26+00:00

Probably because any contracted service paid through city has policies about standards which require time & $ beyond joe blow customers. The bid, attys make $, councilmen make $, the biz becomes a reporter to the court; which doesn’t do volume. It’s also capitalism in action.

michaelpaoli · 2023-08-06T07:59:43+00:00

Way cheaper than 18+ years of child support.

sageofdragons · 2023-08-06T15:26:46+00:00

Cause it probably has to meet some legal requirements and also they probably have to file some documents, not really hard to understand

Title	A "legal" paternity test costs twice as much as a regular, at-home paternity test. It's the same thing but somehow twice the price.
Author	chiboulevards
Upvotes	369
Comments	45
Date	August 5, 2023 2:37 PM UTC (2 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/15ixcjm/a_legal_paternity_test_costs_twice_as_much_as_a/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/a-legal-paternity-test-costs-twice-as-much-as-a.1227562 https://theredarchive.com/post/1227562

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