Paternity Test: Legal or Non-Legal? What’s the Difference?

Understanding the two types of DNA tests to make the right choice for your situation

1. Two types of tests, two different purposes

When it comes to paternity testing, there are two main categories:

• Informational (non-legal) test – for personal use only.
• Legal test – conducted within an official or legal framework, often requested by a lawyer, court, or government agency (such as Youth Protection).

Both tests are equally scientifically reliable. The difference lies in the chain of custody and the legal validity of the results.

2. The informational (non-legal) test

This is the most common type of paternity test.

• Purpose: personal use, to privately confirm a biological relationship or resolve uncertainty.
• Sample collection: performed at home using a buccal (cheek) swab.
• Process: simple, discreet, and confidential. Samples are mailed directly to the lab.
• Results: scientifically accurate, with over 99.9% probability of paternity or exclusion.
• Limitation: results cannot be used in court, since the participants’ identities were not verified by an independent professional.

Best for:

• Personal peace of mind.
• Family or ancestry research.
• Private confirmation before taking legal steps.

3. The legal (court-admissible) test

This type of test follows a strict chain of custody protocol to ensure identity verification and sample integrity:

• Samples must be collected by an authorized professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or certified witness).
• Each participant’s identity is verified using official photo ID.
• Samples are sealed and sent directly to the laboratory by the professional.

The result includes an official report, admissible before courts, lawyers, youth protection agencies, and government institutions.

Best for:

• Custody or child support cases.
• Immigration or citizenship applications.
• Any legal dispute regarding paternity.

4. Same accuracy, different legal weight

Both tests analyze the same genetic markers (loci) and use the same DNA comparison technology.
The only difference is the collection process and identity verification.

In short: the scientific accuracy is identical, but only the legal test carries legal weight.

5. How to choose?

If your goal is to obtain a quick and private answer, the informational test is enough.
If you intend to use the result in any legal or administrative procedure, it’s best to choose the legal test from the start, since it follows the required chain of custody.

At Adnà, we offer both options depending on your needs:

• Informational paternity test → discreet, fast, and done at home.
• Legal paternity test → certified collection and court-recognized report.

Conclusion 

Whatever your reason, it’s important to understand the difference before ordering your test.
Your DNA has answers — but the right framework makes all the difference.

Learn more about our paternity tests