Forensic genetic paternity test ordered by an authority
- Service
- Nationwide
- Public service
A forensic genetic paternity test (DNA test) is performed when there is uncertainty about the biological paternity. The child welfare officer must order the test in connection to investigating paternity if the potential father requests it or the child welfare officer otherwise considers it necessary. You must also order a forensic genetic paternity test in situations where the documents proving th ...
Do the following
Upon request, the forensic genetics team of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare will provide sampling tools, delivery envelopes and instructions for taking a sample. The primary sample in the forensic genetic paternity test is the swab sample from the inner surface of the cheek. In investigations ordered by a child welfare officer, samples are taken under her/his supervision. In investigations ordered by courts, samples are taken by a licensed health care professional in the health care unit. The child welfare supervisor cannot oversee the sampling ordered by the court.
To whom and on what terms
The child welfare officer must order the forensic genetic paternity test in connection with the determination of paternity if the potential father requests it or the child welfare officer considers it necessary. A court may order a forensic genetic paternity test to be performed in a matter concerning the establishment or annulment of paternity if a party so requests or if the court considers it otherwise necessary in order to clarify the matter. The service is free of charge for citizens when it is ordered by a child welfare officer or a court.