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) plucked hair follicles be submitted - more if possible.
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 90% or Higher) are as follows:
- Buccal Mouth Swab (often called a "standard" or "controlled" sample)
- FTA
Blood Card (less than 30 days old)
- Blood on Filter paper (less than 30 days old; depends
on size of stain, age, storage conditions)
- Semen (fresh or frozen; on swab or in vial)
- Blood (non-purple top) (fressh, less than 30 days old stored in a refrigerator or frozen - if frozen, contact us)
- Bone Marrow (must be fresh or frozen; no marrow can be on slides or in paraffin)
Other samples - with 60%-90% success rate:
- Blood or semen
stain on cloth
- Tissue (muscles; organs)
- Dried umbilical cord
- Cotton ear swabs
- Fel demise, >16 weeks
- Fingernail
clippings
Other samples - 20 - 60% success rate:
- Hair with roots (must be plucked (7-10 or more pieces) - shed hair will not work
- Toothbrush
- Cigarette butts
- Chewing gum
- Fetal demise - 10-16 weeks
- Condom
- Diabetic test
Other samples -
Less than 60% success rate:
- Drinking straw
- Tampon/feminine
pad
- Plastic fork/spoon
- Old or coagulated blood
Other samples - less than 20%:
- Electric razor debris
- Envelope flaps
- Fetal demise < 10 weeks
- Embalmed Tissue
(muscles, organs)
- Mucus (on facial tissue, napkin or paper towel)
- Electric
razor debris
- Envelope flaps
- Fetal demise < 10 weeks
- Embalmed Tissue (muscles, organs)
- Mucus (on facial tissue, napkin or paper towel)
Other Samples:
- Bones from exhumed
body
- Tooth
- Bone
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. This can help ensure that no FALSE claims can be made on you or your family's
estate or inheritance.
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.
