Paternity Testing in Illinois: Legal Court-Admissible & At-Home DNA Tests
Paternity testing plays a crucial role in confirming biological relationships, resolving family disputes, and securing legal rights. Whether you need court-admissible DNA testing or a convenient at-home paternity test for personal peace of mind, GameDay DNA delivers accurate and trusted paternity testing services customized for your needs. This complete guide covers the types of tests available, pricing details, and answers to common questions about paternity testing in Illinois.
Why Choose Accredited Paternity Testing Labs in Illinois?
Accredited paternity testing guarantees precision and reliability. At GameDay DNA, we collaborate with AABB-accredited laboratories known for delivering legally defensible and accurate results. Whether you face custody battles or want to establish paternity informally, our testing meets the highest industry standards for quality and confidentiality.
Paternity Testing Locations Near Me in Illinois
GameDay DNA offers extensive coverage across Illinois through our trusted network of collection centers, including cities such as Alsip, Barrington, Carrollton, Centralia, Champaign, Chicago, Chicago Heights, Decatur, Dixon, Downers Grove, Evanston, Gibson City, Granite City, Harrisburg, Joliet, Lawrenceville, Lincoln, Maryville, Morris, Northbrook, Olympia Fields, Peoria, Pontiac, Robinson, Salem, Sauk Village, Sterling, and Waukegan, and more. Don’t see your city? Contact us to find your closest testing site.
How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost in Illinois?
Pricing Overview
Legal Paternity Tests: $299–$599
Follow strict chain-of-custody procedures and are admissible in court for child support and custody claims.At-Home Paternity Tests: $179–$239
Affordable, user-friendly kits designed for personal knowledge. Not valid in court but highly accurate when processed in accredited labs.Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Tests (NIPP): $1,099–$2,000
Safe during pregnancy, NIPP can establish paternity as early as seven weeks with zero risk to mother or baby.
Other DNA Testing Services
Grandparent DNA Testing
Useful when a parent’s sample isn’t available. Confirms relationships by comparing genetic markers between child and grandparents.Sibling DNA Testing
Determines if individuals share one or both biological parents, confirming full or half-sibling status.Avuncular (Aunt/Uncle) DNA Testing
Establishes biological ties via an aunt or uncle when direct parent samples cannot be collected.
Step-by-Step Paternity Testing Procedures in Illinois
Legal Testing Process
Sample Collection: Cheek swabs obtained at accredited facilities.
Chain-of-Custody: Samples securely handled to maintain court validity.
Lab Analysis: Advanced techniques with over 99% accuracy.
Results: Available in approximately 2 business days post-analysis.
At-Home Testing Process
Collect samples via cheek swabs from child, alleged father, and mother (if needed).
Send samples using prepaid packaging to an accredited lab.
Receive results securely within 2 business days.
Establishing Legal Paternity in Illinois
In Illinois, individuals seeking to establish paternity have access to various resources. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) offers assistance with paternity establishment, including information on filing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form at hospitals and birthing centers. Legal aid organizations and family law attorneys can provide guidance and representation in paternity cases, especially when court involvement is necessary for child support or custody matters. Additionally, the Illinois Child Support Services (CSS) program helps in locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and ensuring child support payments are made. These resources aim to protect the rights and well-being of children by establishing legal fatherhood and securing the financial support they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity Testing in Illinois
Can I get a paternity test near me in Illinois?
Yes! GameDay DNA, accredited labs, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) offer legal and private DNA paternity testing statewide. Testing is available through DCFS/HFS, hospitals, child support offices, or court-ordered services (Illinois Parentage Act § 750 ILCS 46/401 et seq.).
How much does a paternity test cost in Illinois?
Legal/court-admissible DNA tests: Typically $300–$600 for chain-of-custody/certified court tests (Illinois Law for DNA Evidence). HFS may cover or recover costs in certain support or administrative cases (Illinois Code § 750 ILCS § 46/416).
At-home/informational kits: $179–$240 for private use, not valid in court.
Prenatal (non-invasive/personal) paternity test: $1,099 (informational) or $1,499 (legal/court-admissible, with chain-of-custody)—safe as early as 7 weeks (GameDay DNA NIPP Illinois; Face It DNA Chicago Pricing).
What types of paternity tests are available in Illinois?
Legal/court-ordered DNA paternity tests (via HFS or court order)
At-home informational kits
Non-invasive prenatal (NIPP/NIPT) paternity tests
Grandparent, sibling, avuncular (aunt/uncle), and maternity DNA tests
See Illinois HFS Info.
Are legal paternity test results admissible in court in Illinois?
Yes! Legal paternity test results (from chain-of-custody, certified labs) are admissible in all Illinois courts for support, custody, and vital record changes (Parentage Act § 750 ILCS 46/614; SSA DNA Guidance for Illinois). Tests must have a combined paternity index ≥500:1 to create a presumption of paternity and may be rebutted by “clear and convincing evidence”.
How long does it take to get paternity test results?
Results are typically available within 2–5 business days after all lab samples are received (Illinois HFS FAQ).
Does insurance cover the cost of paternity testing in Illinois?
Most insurance plans do NOT cover paternity testing unless it is part of a medically necessary diagnostic procedure (GameDay DNA insurance FAQ).
Can I get a prenatal paternity test while pregnant in Illinois?
Yes! Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) tests are available from 7 weeks gestation, requiring only a simple blood draw and swab—safe for mother and baby and court-admissible in both legal and informational forms.
Trusted Paternity Testing Services Throughout Illinois – Accurate, Affordable, and Accessible
When it comes to establishing biological relationships, securing custody, or resolving family disputes, reliable paternity testing is essential. GameDay DNA offers court-admissible and at-home paternity tests with unmatched accuracy and fast turnaround times tailored to your needs.
Serving all major cities across Illinois, our AABB-accredited laboratories ensure legal defensibility and peace of mind. Whether you require legal documentation or personal reassurance, trust GameDay DNA for expert, confidential service.
Ready to confirm paternity with confidence? Contact GameDay DNA today to schedule your test and learn more about our comprehensive services across Illinois.
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