Establishing Paternity: A Complete Guide
Published January 20, 2026 · Medically reviewed by the partner laboratory's medical director, AABB-accredited relationship-testing laboratory
Legally establishing paternity requires either a signed Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) at the hospital, a court order based on AABB-accredited DNA testing with chain of custody, or an administrative order from your state's child support agency. Home tests give you the answer; only legal tests give you the paperwork.
Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP)
Available at every U.S. hospital. Both parents sign a form; the father's name is added to the birth certificate. Free, immediate, and legally binding — but only appropriate when both parents are certain of paternity.
Ready to move forward? Order our $99 at-home test — AABB-accredited, results in 1–2 business days.
Court-ordered testing
If paternity is disputed, either parent can petition family court. The court orders AABB-accredited DNA testing with chain of custody. Results are entered as evidence and paternity is legally established by court order.
Why home tests come first
Many families use a $99 home test for personal certainty before deciding whether to pursue legal establishment. Home results are not court-admissible, but they answer the question. If the test confirms paternity, the couple can then use a VAP or, if needed, a legal test.