Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Inheritance and Estate Issues:
Can DNA testing help in inheritance and estate issues?
Yes, DNA testing for identity is an extremely helpful tool to assist families in settling issues regarding
inheritance and to resolve disputes. There have been many cases of imposters attempting to make claims against estates,
which through DNA testing were successfully eliminated. If you want to ensure your estate goes to your true heirs and
protect your estate from imposters claiming to be relatives and filing claims against your estate, you can preserve your DNA
for future testing. SEE DNA BANKING and DNA PROFILING.
Are DNA samples admissible for legal purposes in court?
While the DNA samples themselves are not admissible in court, the results obtained from tests which are
conducted on the samples can be used to answer questions concerning DNA identification, i.e. inheritance and estate issues.
In cases of inheritance and estate issues, is a court order required for DNA testing?
You should discuss these issues with your attorney, as these are based on various circumstances.
Who is tested?
This will depend upon whose estate is being settled, and also upon what parties are available for testing.
What if the party whose estate is being settled is now deceased? Is it possible to make
a determination of relationship?
Yes, is is highly likely that through DNA testing, it can be determined whether you are the child of a person
who is now deceased, or if you are a sibling of other living children.
How can you get samples from a person who is already deceased?
In cases of someone who just passed away, the medical examiner can provide samples, either through blood
or tissues samples. On many occasions, an autopsy is performed by the medical examiner, through which a blood stain
card is retained. In this case, testing can be done on the blood stain card. In addition, in some cases, the medical
examiner may have whole blood stored in a tube. If this is stored properly, this whole blood can be tested for up to
thirty (30) days after death. Also, we would obtain a buccal swab sample from the other individual(s) needing proof
to establish relationship. If none of these options are available, there are other testing methods available.
SEE SERVICES OFFERED - POST MORTEM TESTING.
What if the deceased has already been embalmed or cremated?
Once a body has been preserved, it is generally not possible to use biological samples taken from it (other
than long bones and teeth). Due to the trauma of this type of sample removal, we suggest other alternative options.
If the body has not been embalmed, the medical examiner can provide: blood or tissues samples; samples
collected via a buccal swab inside the mouth. We suggest more than two (2) swabs and extensive swabbing to ensure a
substantial collection of DNA. Also, plucked hair can be collected -- must have the hair follicle. In order to
perform testing, we suggest at least six (6) to ten (10) hair follicles be submitted.
What other types of samples are acceptable for DNA testing?
There are many types of samples which can be used for DNA testing. The samples which offer the highest
success rates (approximately 98%) are as follows:
- Buccal Swab (often called a "standard" or "controlled" sample)
- Blood Stain on a collection card
- Fresh whole blood or cord blood ("fresh" refers to blood which has been refrigerator stored for less than
30 days in a preservative, and which has not coagulated)
- Whole semen-fresh (refers to semen which is stored frozen, or which has been collected within five (5) days
and refrigerated)
- Plucked hair (not shed hair)
Other samples - with 60%-95% success rate:
- Toothbrush
- Ear swab
- Chewing gum
- Fetal tissue
- Used tampon/feminine pad
- Condoms
- Bloodstains on clothing
- Semen stains on clothing or vaginal swab
Other samples - 60% success rate:
- Dried umbilical cord
- Exhumed tissue or bone
- Fresh liquid urine
- Envelope flaps and stamps
- Cigarette butts
- Debris from an electric razor
- Soda can
Other samples - 15% success rate:
- Rotten blood
- Shed hair (unlike plucked hair, shed hair contains very little DNA)
- Tissue sample-paraffin embedded or embalmed
- Used tissue wipe
What can I do to prevent problems relating to inheritance or estate issues in the event of my
death?
To ensure these problems do not occur, you can have samples collected and stored or "banked" for future
testing needs. SEE DNA BANKING.
Should I have mine and all my family members DNA Banked?
This would be an excellent way to ensure you and your family members DNA identity would be accessible should
you ever need it. Whether it be for inheritance and estate issues, or in cases of missing persons or abducted children,
DNA Banking provides you with a means to identify you or your loved ones.
