We often receive questions from customers regarding whether our DNA test results can be used for legal matters, such as child custody disputes, child support cases, estate planning, or immigration procedures.
FamilyTreeDNA specializes exclusively in genetic genealogy (ancestral origins, family finder matching, and deep maternal/paternal lineage). They are not legally binding or court-admissible.
However, our parent company, Gene By Gene Ltd. does offer Legal sample collection. You can read more about these services below.
Why are these tests not legally admissible?
To be considered admissible in a court of law, a DNA test must follow a strict legal protocol known as a Chain of Custody. Because FamilyTreeDNA kits are designed for at-home collection, they do not meet these legal standards.
Here is why our standard testing process does not qualify for legal use:
- Unverified Identity - Our kits are mailed directly to your home, and the cheek swabs are self-administered. There is no independent, third-party professional present to verify the identity of the person actually providing the DNA sample.
- Chain of Custody Gaps - A court-admissible test requires that the sample be collected, sealed, and shipped by a certified third party (such as a doctor, nurse, or lab technician) who can swear under oath that the sample was not tampered with.
Does FamilyTreeDNA offer legal or relationship testing?
While we do not offer testing for legal purposes, our parent company, Gene By Gene Ltd. does offer does offer legal sample collection to maintain the required chain of custody.
Please keep in mind that depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the legal case, there is no guarantee that the requesting agency or individual will accept the results as a "legal" report.
To learn more about these services, please visit GenebyGene Ltd.
Can I use my results in court anyway?
While our laboratory (Gene by Gene) is highly accredited and utilizes state-of-the-art technology to ensure the highest standard of accuracy for your genealogical research, judges and government agencies will generally reject home-kit results due to the lack of identity verification.
If you are currently involved in a legal matter, we strongly recommend consulting with your legal counsel or the relevant government agency to obtain a list of approved, court-admissible testing providers.