Chicago Paternity Testing Lawyer
Legal DNA Testing to Establish Parentage in Cook County
In any Chicago family law case, establishing paternity is the critical first step before any rights to child support or parenting time can be ordered. While at-home DNA tests are readily available, a Cook County judge will not accept them. To be valid in court, you must undergo a legal paternity test.
The Elite Law Group, founded by attorney Schylon Lane, guides clients through the precise, legally-admissible testing process.
We provide the one-on-one representation you need to ensure the test is done correctly and your rights are protected based on the results.
Why At-Home DNA Tests Are Not Admissible in Court
An at-home test has no legal standing for one simple reason: the court cannot verify who provided the sample. There is no "chain of custody."
A legal paternity test is different. It follows a strict process to ensure the results are irrefutable:
It Must Be Court-Ordered: A judge must order the parties to submit to testing.
AABB-Accredited Lab: The test must be conducted by a lab accredited by the AABB.
Chain of Custody: A neutral third party at the lab will verify the identities of the mother, child, and alleged father using government-issued photo ID.
Direct Collection: The lab professional collects the sample (usually a simple buccal/cheek swab).
Secure Results: The lab sends the notarized results directly to the Cook County court and the attorneys. The parties do not handle the results.
This process ensures that the person tested is the person named in the lawsuit and that the samples have not been tampered with.
The Legal Process for Getting a Paternity Test in Chicago
You cannot force someone to take a DNA test without a court order. The Elite Law Group handles this process for both mothers and potential fathers.
For Mothers: We can file a Petition to Establish Parentage in Cook County. This petition asks the court to legally name the father and order him to submit to a DNA test if he denies paternity. A legal test is the mother's key to securing a child support order.
For Fathers: If you have been served with a paternity petition, we will file your Answer on your behalf, formally requesting a DNA test to confirm or deny the allegations. If you believe you are the father but the mother is denying you access, she can file a petition on your behalf to get a test and secure your parental rights.
What Happens After the Results?
Once the court receives the DNA test results, the next steps are clear.
If You ARE the Father: The judge will enter a formal Order of Paternity. The case will then immediately move to the next phase: establishing a fair child support order and a detailed parenting time (visitation) schedule.
If You ARE NOT the Father: The judge will dismiss the paternity case against you. You will have no legal rights or financial responsstbilities for the child.
Schylon Lane provides the dedicated, one-on-one counsel you need.
She will handle the court filings, represent you at the hearing, and manage the critical next steps that follow the results.