Interested in establishing paternity but don't have hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend on a paternity test? Don't let lack of money stop you from ensuring your child's well-being. Read on to learn how to get a free paternity test.

• Paternity tests are performed to determine the biological father of a child. Paternity tests help secure the child's legal rights, establish a bond between the father and child and provide an accurate medical history for the child. Free or inexpensive paternity tests may be hard to find, but it can be done.

• Paternity testing from an accredited laboratory can cost anywhere between $400 and $2,000, depending on the type of test you choose and where you live.

1. {{Img|PaternityTest_JB_032709.jpg||right}}The most accurate paternity test is a DNA paternity test, which is 99.9 percent accurate.
   1. DNA paternity tests compare genetic material from the child, mother and father.
      • A child receives half his or her DNA from the mother and half his or her DNA from the father.
   2. Types of DNA testing include:
      1. Prenatal DNA testing, which is performed prior to birth.
         • Genetic material is collected via amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
      2. Postnatal DNA testing is performed any time after birth.
         • Genetic material is collected via blood, cheek swab, or other tissue.
   3. Court-approved tests are usually more expensive than non-court-approved tests.
2. Blood tests compare blood types.
   • Cheaper than DNA tests, blood paternity tests are helpful in eliminating possible biological father candidates. It will not provide a conclusive answer.

• Your local child support enforcement office should be able to recommend free or inexpensive testing.

• Although paternity tests are not usually covered by health insurance, you should still contact your health provider and ask for recommendations. Your health provider may be able to direct you to free or affordable paternity services.

• Shop around to find the best deal. Check local laboratories, as well as online testing. Make sure the lab is accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks).

• Home paternity testing kits are considerably cheaper than laboratory DNA testing. However there are several disadvantages, including:

1. Home tests are not legally binding.
2. Home tests are not as accurate.

• Some DNA testing services offer free DNA test in honor of Father's Day. Contact local and online DNA laboratories to see if they provide free paternity tests. If not, you can always ask if they offer any other promotions.

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