
Motherless Paternity Test
Child and alleged father when the mother isn't available
- Participants:
- Child, Alleged Father
- Lab processing:
- 2 business days after the lab receives your samples
Quantity
Order with these add-ons (optional)
Overview
The Motherless Paternity test compares the DNA of a child and an alleged father when the mother's sample isn't available. Modern marker panels are powerful enough to deliver a conclusive result without the mother in the great majority of cases.
This is a private, informational test for your own peace of mind. It is not chain-of-custody and not admissible in court. It cannot be used for custody, child support, or immigration.
If the lab needs more information to reach a conclusive result, it may recommend adding the mother's sample — we'll let you know.
What you get
- Cheek swabs for two participants (child, alleged father)
- Step-by-step illustrated instructions
- Pre-addressed return mailer or FedEx label
- A private, easy-to-understand results report by email
How it works
- 1
Order your kit
Choose your test and check out online. No appointment or doctor's order needed.
- 2
We ship within 1 business day
Your collection kit ships free with cheek swabs, step-by-step instructions, and a return mailer.
- 3
Collect samples at home
Each participant gently swabs the inside of their cheek. Painless and takes about a minute per person.
- 4
Mail samples to the lab
Drop your samples in the mail using the supplied envelope. Prepaid Return Mailer or FedEx Overnight Label Provided. Lab processing time starts when the lab receives your samples.
- 5
Receive results securely
The lab sends your report to us and we forward it to you privately by email.
Turnaround timeline
- 1Kit ships — Within 1 business day of your order.
- 2In transit to you — A few days, depending on your location.
- 3You collect & mail back — At your own pace. The clock for lab processing has not started yet.
- 4Lab processing — 2 business days after the lab receives your samples.
- 5Results delivered — Sent to you privately by email.
Accuracy & methodology
Inclusions are reported with a probability of paternity of 99.9% or greater and exclusions with 100% certainty. In a small number of cases the lab may request the mother's sample to reach a conclusive answer. Testing is performed by our accredited partner laboratory.
Testing is performed by our AABB-accredited partner laboratory.
Your privacy & trust
Your privacy matters to us, and DNA information is among the most sensitive personal data there is.
- Samples are used only to perform the test you ordered and are destroyed after testing is complete. <!-- TODO: confirm exact sample-retention window with fulfillment lab before publishing -->
- Results are delivered privately by email and are never sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing.
- Your DNA data is treated as sensitive personal information. While at-home, informational tests are generally not covered by HIPAA, we handle your results with comparable care.
- You can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting us.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a result without the mother still reliable?
- Yes. With today's marker panels a conclusive result is reached without the mother in the large majority of cases. Occasionally the lab will recommend adding the mother's sample for a definitive answer.
- Can this be used in court?
- No. It is a peace-of-mind, informational test only and is not admissible in any legal proceeding. Use a court-approved, chain-of-custody test for legal matters.
- Can I add the mother later?
- Yes — you can add an additional tested party. It's easiest to include everyone in the first kit, but we can advise you if a follow-up sample is needed.
Related tests

Standard Trio Paternity Test
Mother, child, and alleged father seeking personal answers
- Participants:
- Mother, Child, Alleged Father
- Lab time:
- 2 business days

Maternity Test
Mother and child confirming a biological relationship
- Participants:
- Mother, Child
- Lab time:
- 2 business days

Additional Tested Party
Adding one more person to a relationship test
- Participants:
- One additional participant
Need a legal DNA test?
Need results for a custody case, child support, immigration, or any other legal matter? An at-home test cannot be used for those purposes. You'll need a court-approved, chain-of-custody DNA test performed through an accredited laboratory, where a neutral third party verifies every participant's identity and handles the samples.