When paternity has not been determined, DNA testing can be requested by either parent, or by the court. All parties will be notified of the date and time of the appointment to gather DNA samples. The appointment will be at the Family Court, and DNA samples are taken by swabbing the inside of each person's cheek.
DNA results are usually sent back to the Family Court within two weeks. Copies of the results are mailed to each party. If the results show that the man is not the biological father, the case will be dismissed. If a party is ordered to appear for DNA testing and does not, the Court may enter an order compelling that party to appear, or an order establishing paternity by default.
There is a cost for DNA testing, but if completed through a child support case, the cost is significantly lower. Only DNA tests performed by Family Court staff or completed by an approved laboratory will be used to establish paternity. A "home" DNA test cannot be used in court to establish legal paternity.