If you are unsure who the father of the child is, you should not complete the Certificate of Parentage and consider genetic testing.

A genetic test, also called a DNA test, can determine if the alleged father is the biological father. The test is 99.9% accurate in determining the probability that a man is the biological father.

The genetic, or DNA test, is administered by collecting samples, which are sent to a laboratory to compare the details from the child’s sample with similar traits in the alleged father’s and mother’s sample. In most cases, a buccal swab of the cheek is taken from the mother, child, and alleged father.

The test will show with 99.9% certainty that a man is or is not the biological father of the child.

Not at all. In most cases, a buccal swab of the cheek is taken from the mother, child, and alleged father. The test consists of a gentle swab of the inside of each cheek and takes less than a minute.

Genetic testing can be performed on children as young as newborns by utilizing a buccal swab test. The test consists of a gentle swab of the inside of each cheek and takes less than a minute.

• You can visit the child support website to apply for paternity establishment, including genetic testing. After getting the results of the genetic tests, child support will issue an order of establishment or non-establishment of paternity. Parents are responsible for getting their child’s birth record amended. For more information, call 1-877-NJKIDS1.
• Parents can also make private arrangements with the hospital or a paternity testing laboratory.

If you complete an application with the child support program for paternity establishment, the initial cost of the genetic test is covered by the program. Please note that a judge may order you or the biological father to pay for the cost of the test based on case conditions. If parents make private arrangements for genetic testing, the parents will be responsible for the cost.

You can visit the child support website to apply for paternity establishment, including genetic testing. The local child support office will assist in obtaining genetic testing for the out of state parent.

You can visit the child support website to apply for paternity establishment, including genetic testing. The Child Support program can assist an applicant in establishing paternity when the alleged father is deceased so that the child will have inheritance rights and/or the right to receive Social Security or veterans’ benefits.

Yes, the parent who is not incarcerated can mail a blank COP to the parent who is incarcerated. The incarcerated parent can work directly with the correctional facility’s social worker to complete the COP. The social worker will notarize and mail the form back to the other parent. The parent who is not incarcerated can then complete their portion of the COP, have it notarized and submit the form at their local county registrar, or mail directly to State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry or New Jersey Paternity Opportunity Program Office.

If genetic testing is desired to establish paternity, either person can submit an application on the child support website. Genetic testing will be completed by a contracted lab for the person who is incarcerated.