DNA Testing for a Deceased Father

Unfortunately, there are some occasions when DNA Paternity testing is needed, but the father is no longer available because he has passed away. Multiple options are available, if the father is deceased and you need a paternity test. Test Me DNA can walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible for the family involved.

The first step for post mortem paternity testing is to contact the coroner’s office or funeral home to see if a DNA sample is available for the deceased father. Many times the sample will be a blood dot card or a blood spot card. A funeral home may also gather 40 hairs with the root attached or fingernail clippings with skin attached.

If a DNA Sample is Available at the Coroner’s Office or Funeral Home

If the coroner’s office or funeral home have a sample on file, you will need to check with them about their protocol. Some offices require a court order to release a DNA sample. Other offices may only require a next of kin release form to be completed. Once you find out their protocol, you will need to gather a little bit more information to set up post mortem paternity testing.

Information Needed for Post Mortem DNA Testing

  • Name of the facility that has the DNA sample i.e. ______ County Medical Examiner
  • Address to the facility that has the DNA sample
  • Contact person at the facility that our lab can speak with
  • Contact person’s telephone number
  • Date of birth for the deceased
  • Date of death for the deceased

If a DNA Sample is Not Available for the Deceased Father

If there is not a DNA sample of the deceased father, then it would be necessary to have a different type of DNA testing performed . This type of DNA testing is referred to as special relationship DNA testing or genetic reconstruction testing. The options could include Grand Parentage (grandparents) DNA testing, Avuncular (aunt/Uncle) DNA testing or Sibling DNA testing. These types of tests include the deceased fathers parents, children or full siblings.

Unfortunately these types of cases are not out of the ordinary, but we at Test Me DNA help the family get through the process as quickly as possible.

Post Mortem Paternity Testing FAQ

Most people need to do post mortem DNA testing for social security benefits. Survivor benefits from social security are available for most minor children, if one of their parents pass away. Another reason for post mortem DNA testing is for the use in probate court or for inheritance purposes.

The most common DNA sample from a deceased father is a blood spot card. But other options can be 40 hairs with the root attached, fingernail clipping with skin, tissue samples, a tooth or certain bones such as the femur bone.

Some samples must be collected in a short window of the person passing. Other DNA samples may have to be collected before a body is embalmed. Please be sure to call to see what options will be best in your current situation.

The Father’s parents are the best choice for DNA testing if the father is deceased. But there are multiple paternal relatives that could be options for the DNA test. We can use the father’s full siblings. We can also use the father’s acknowledged children for a DNA test if he is deceased.

Have questions? Want to order by phone?

Customer support is available Monday through Friday 8:00 am-7:00 pm CST. Paternity Testing specialists are available and can answers any questions you may have about how DNA Paternity Testing works.

1-800-535-5198