How Much Does Paternity Testing Cost?

After they have given birth, many people find that paternity testing is something that they will need to do. Whether you are unsure of who the father of your baby is or the person who you know is the father does not believe you, there may come a time when you will find yourself faced with getting a paternity test. What many people do not realize is that you will need to pay in order to have a paternity test. Unfortunately, paternity tests are not free of cost. Here are some of the things that you should know about the price of a paternity test.

Average Cost of Paternity Testing

According to the American Pregnancy Association, paternity testing can range from $250 and $2,000. Usually, you can expect to spend about $500 on a paternity test. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that there are a few different factors which will determine the overall cost of your paternity test. The following factors will determine the total cost of your paternity testing.

Prenatal vs. After Birth Paternity Testing

One of the factors that is going to play a major role in the cost of your paternity testing is when you have the test done. Prenatal paternity testing is much more costly than paternity testing which takes place after birth. The reason is because the process of paternity testing is a much more complex process when it occurs during pregnancy.

Price Varies According to Testing Center

There are a wide variety of different testing centers available for paternity testing. When selecting a DNA testing center, it is important to be very cautious. Many online testing centers offer paternity tests that you can do at home or send DNA to them in order for them to test for a reasonable price, but keep in mind that all of these testing facilities may not necessarily be reputable. The American Pregnancy Association recommends you to select a paternity testing facility that is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. A good option is the DNA Diagnostics Center.

Number of Fathers Being Tested for Paternity

The number of fathers that are being tested for paternity will also play a role in the total cost of the paternity test. Most paternity testing centers require you to pay a base amount for the paternity test of one father and the baby. With each additional father that you choose to add to the test, there may be a much smaller fee. Keep in mind that every paternity testing center is different.

Legal vs. Curiosity Paternity Testing

There are a few different reasons you may be opting to have a paternity test done. If it is for court purposes, which usually involves getting child support, you are going to need to have a court approved or “legal” paternity test. If you are trying to find out who the father of your baby is simply for curiosity and do not wish to bring the case to court, then a curiosity paternity test is a better idea. Many paternity testing centers offer these tests at a much lower price than they offer legal paternity testing at.

Price Varies According to Location

As with everything else, your location is going to play a role in the cost of your paternity test. If you live in a larger, metropolitan area, you can expect the cost of the paternity test to be more. That being said, you may be able to reduce the overall cost of a paternity test by going to a testing facility that is not located in a larger city.

These are just a few of the different factors which play a role in the overall cost of a paternity test. It is important to keep in mind that there are many paternity testing centers which now offer payment plans, which require you to pay a given amount of money upfront and then a certain amount each month. This is very ideal for most people who are interested in paternity testing.

Sources

The American Pregnancy Association: Paternity Testing
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/paternitytesting.html

DNA Genetic Connections: All About Paternity Testing
http://www.dna-geneticconnections.com/paternity_testing.html