Domestic Adoption DNA Tests
Domestic adoptions, like international adoptions, benefit from DNA testing due to the accurate and definitive answers they provide during the process. DNA tests can clarify biological relationships and provide valuable information that allow for decisions to be made in the best interests of children and families.
The following sections outline only a few of the many uses DNA testing may have in adoption. Every adoption case is unique, so please call one of our experienced Adoption Team members at 1-800-681-7505 to learn more.
Birthparent and putative father verfication for relinquishments
Uncertainty often accompanies many adoptions, and domestic adoptions are no exception. DNA tests are commonly used to clarify or confirm biological relationships for these cases, especially at the relinquishment stage.
During parental relinquishment, both of the biological parents are asked to give up their claim to their child. In order for relinquishment to take place, it is important and often necessary to establish the biological relationship of the child to the parents. Biological maternity is not typically contested because there are records that show that the mother gave birth to the child. Biological paternity, however, can be less clear. If paternity is unclear or questioned, DNA testing can be used to identify the child's biological father.
This paternity verification through DNA testing may be required before the child can be placed for adoption. Other times, those involved in the adoption simply want peace of mind through accurate biological identification provided by DNA testing. DDC provides services for both scenarios, through legally defensible chain of custody DNA tests.
DNA paternity testing and DNA maternity testing are the most common DNA services provided for birthparent relinquishment. However, other family relationship DNA tests have been requested.
Through these services, everyone involved will gain valuable information to assure them that the child was relinquished willingly and with the birthparents' express intent of giving him or her a better life.
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DNA testing as protection by attorneys for clients and children from future birthparent claims
Adoption is an effort to do what is best for a child. To ensure that everyone is protected, many attorneys and agencies prefer that their clients and the children involved undergo DNA testing. Through services like paternity testing, all can be sure that the biological parents of the children are relinquishing their parental rights.
For attorneys and agencies that use DNA testing for many of their cases, DDC offers legal chain of custody DNA testing. All results are returned to the attorney or agency with complete discretion. Everyone involved can depend on our results to be private and confidential.
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Assisted reproduction and surrogacy biological identification
DNA testing is being used more and more in assisted reproduction cases. For IVF, DNA tests are used to verify that the child is the biological child of one or both donors. Those involved in surrogacy are also finding DNA testing valuable, as many states are now requiring parents to adopt a child carried by a gestational surrogate only after verifying their biological relationship to the child.
The most common DNA tests used in assisted reproduction cases are paternity tests and maternity tests.
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