Sometimes the person a family most needs to test is not available. An alleged father may have passed away, live far away, or be unwilling to participate. In those situations, a grandparent DNA test may help answer the question.
What a grandparent test evaluates
A grandparentage test compares DNA from a child with one or both alleged grandparents, usually the parents of the alleged father. The laboratory looks at whether the shared genetic markers support the proposed relationship.
Who should be tested
Results are generally stronger when more relatives participate:
- Both alleged grandparents usually give the clearest result.
- One grandparent can still be informative, but the result may be less certain.
- Including the child's mother, when possible, can help the laboratory separate the mother's contribution.
Tell us how everyone is related before booking so the laboratory can advise which participants are needed.
Legal or personal use
Grandparent testing is available as a legal test, with identity verification and chain-of-custody documentation, or a non-legal test for personal information. Legal reports may be used in matters such as inheritance or custody, though the court or agency decides what it accepts.
What results can and cannot show
Relationship tests report a likelihood rather than a simple yes or no. Most cases produce a clear answer, but some are inconclusive and may need additional relatives. We will never promise a particular outcome.
Pricing and booking
Grandparent testing is $475 for a legal test and $395 for a non-legal test, with laboratory results typically in 1–2 business days. See details on our Grandparent DNA Testing page, or book an appointment. Collection takes place at a public meeting location we confirm with you, and a certified laboratory partner performs the testing.
This article is for general education and is not legal or medical advice.