Determining relations, or possible relationships, between family members will lead to a family secured from unanswerd questions or acquisitions. Paternity finds the bond between Mother, Farther and Child.

Paternity Testing is  not  just for parents anymore!

The unmarried birth rate is at an all-time high in the United States, topping out at in confirmed statistics at 36.8% in 2006 and possibly as high as 40% in 2008. Social and governmental agencies alike are coping with establishing paternity for children. However, there is a growing group that is affected by the issue of paternity that is being overlooked - grandparents.

According to AARP, nearly 6 million children are raised in households headed by grandparents or other relatives; 2.5 million of these children are without parents in the household at all, leaving their care and upbringing to their grandparents or other relatives. In light of the high out-of-wedlock birth rate, some grandparents must take an extra step and establish their biological relationship through DNA testing in order to gain legal guardianship or visitation rights to their grandchild.

There are also other, little-known situations that the grandparent generation is faced with in relation to their family status. They may have to establish paternity for reasons such as:

• Helping their son or daughter, who may have a child born outside of a marriage to determine paternity for the completion of the Acknowledgement of Paternity as quickly as possible. Many grandparents do not want to wait for state testing because it can take weeks and months to prove or disprove paternity. They want to know whether or not to bond with the grandchild to avoid future family dysfunction.
• Establishing paternity if the father is deceased, yet his name is not on the birth certificate. Helping the mother establish paternity will allow her to seek social security or military child-survivor benefits on behalf of the child, while affording grandparents the proof they need to establish legal visitation rights.
• Establishing paternity in situations where the grandchild may be placed in fostercare and preference is given to kinship support. Grandparents may need to prove their biological relationship to the child to take on the role as the legal guardian or foster parent.

"The law must be consonant with life.  It cannot and should not ignore broad historical currents of history.  Mankind is possessed of no greater urge than to try to understand the age old questions: "Who Am I"? and "Why Am I"?  Even now the sands and ashes of the continents are being sifted to find where we made our first steps as man.  Religions of mankind often include ancestor worship in one way or another.  For many the future is blind without sight of the past.  Those emotions and anxieties that generate our thirst to know the past are not superficial and whimsical.  They are real and they are "good cause" under the laws of man and God."

Credit is surely due where such an eloquent and simple truth is summed in words we can all understand.  The above words are a quote from the Honorable Wade Weatherford, Circuit Court Judge in South Carolina.

The fact that DNA Tests are readily available today is self evident that DNA Tests are needed today.  Necessity is the mother of invention, right?  New moms and new dads should contact a local DNA collector so that follow up questions and/or concerns can be addressed without having to dial an anonymous toll free number and speak to an anonymous operator who knows little or cares little about the individual circumstances.  A private, community based DNA collector will remember your case, easily access your files and answer your questions about DNA testing.  Although profit is the motive for every business, there is the unique individual who is compassionate and may offer kind words or simple advice for families who find themselves in need of a DNA test.  There is also the case, when the relationship between the two parties deteriorates to the point of no communication and one of the parties did not maintain a copy of the DNA Test.  Having to sift through an anonymous toll free number's previously tested parties customer service line, is difficult and profitless so you'll get very little assistance.  Using a local DNA collector, you can go to their office, speak directly to the person who collected you and with proper identification obtain copies of your files. 

Most often, DNA Tests are used to confirm Paternity.  However, DNA tests can be used to confirm any kind of biological relationship  - grand paternity, silbings, aunts, uncles - always check with your local DNA collector for advice on the best test option available. 

There are grand parents support group meeting all over New Jersey and the country.  There are grand parent magazines offering advice on how to rear today's children.  No more putting kids in the backyard to play.  There are sadly, many grand parents finding out, after they have bonded with a child or two, that the child is not biologically related, that is, the grand parents may have been misled into thinking a child was their son's child.  A simple grand paternity test can be performed to prove the kinship and ease doubts about the relatedness of a child.  (By the way, as a local DNA collector, I often hear the voices of concerned grand parents and aunts, that a child has just been introduced into their family and they doubt or are concerned about the paternity).   As the Honorable Weatherford advises - eventually all children will want to know Who Am I and How Did I Get to Be Here?  Irrespective of the biological mother and father's relationship now or in the future, somewhere there should be a record of the circumstances of the birth.

Often, times the motive for DNA testing is to obtain child support, healthcare benefits, social security benefits or other financial assistance.  Whatever your motive, keep a record of the test along with other valuable identifying documents, such as birth certificates, vaccination records and insurance policies.  Some day the child will ask the question: Who Am I? and as simple as it may seem to  an adult - the knowledge is empowering and the truth is always relevant.     

Kinship Legal Guardianship (KLG) in New Jersey, is a process whereby a maternal or paternal relative of a child assumes long term care of the child as an alternative to adoption.  KLG does not necessarily terminate parental rights.  The biological parent maintains the right of consent to adoption or name change, pays child support and is entitled to visitation, usually supervised.  The child does not sacrifice any rights derived from the birth parent such as inheritance or insurance eligibility. 

KLG, is initially a permanent arrangement and not intended to be easily resolved.  However, KLG can be used as a temporary measure to allow biological parents to overcome incapacity to care for a child.  Most children want to be reunited with their parents.  However, as with all matters concerning children, and irrespective of the circumstances, the courts will rule in favor of what is best for the child based on "clear and convincing evidence".  If a parent, whose child was removed due to physical abuse, neglect, substance abuse, arrest, violence or any other misconduct, intends to pursue custody of their child, there has been a unanimous decision, affirmed by all seven justices and written by Justice John Wallace, that the burden of proof for terminating such KLG arrangements is with the moving party. (biological parent)

Who wins in these situations?  Children are negatively impacted with any interruption in home life.  Moving from a parent's home to a relative's home, no matter the circumstances, interferes with academic progress, social life and certainly emotional well being.  Readjusting to a new environment is difficult for anyone, imagine being a child and having to accomodate the adult world around you.  Having relatives argue over who is to care for a child, who is financially responsible for a child, who is equipped to best take care of the child, will leave the child with lifelong self esteem issues - the child's mind barely understands the conflict and only wants to be with their parent.  On the other hand, these angels (KLG) who step up to the responsibility of raising someone else's children are a large part of our population today and everyone involved in chiild welfare needs to support their efforts and sacrifices.  This is the next generation they are taking care of - the next biochemist, the next NASA engineer or the next President. 

One sad note, is the grand parent or aunt or uncle, who spends their time and energy to raise a "relative's" child, only to later find out that there is no real biological relationship.  If you have a doubt about the paternity of the child you are being asked to care for, call your local DNA collector to have a private DNA test performed.  If you have been given paperwork by the court, indicating you have custody of the child, you have the right and responsibility to get a DNA test to confirm you are indeed the biological grand parent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother etc., of the child.  And all children have the right to know their birth family and understand the truth about their birth. 

How many times do you interact with a client and just wish they were all like that.  Providing private DNA tests to the community has truly opened my eyes to the world and to the different kinds of people. 

Children of about 4 - 8 years old are particularly fun.  They are somewhat aware that the DNA test has something to do with them and their parents - but they don't grasp the full concept or levity in the situation.

One little boy recently just made my whole day worthwhile.  It was in June in New Jersey and we were either having rainy days or hot, humid days.  Either way going out on a mobile DNA collection in any of that weather was not something I was looking forward to doing that day.  First, establishing that we could use a local social service office to meet and do the collection, then finding parking close to the facility as the area was not one of the best New Jersey has to offer and then getting through the paperwork - I would rather have spent the day in an air conditioned office making phone calls to the gate keepers in doctors and lawyers offices.    You get it.

But, the little guy in the test made my day.  He was about 4 - 5 years old, he was being tested in order that his mother (beneficiary) could be sponsored by him a little 5 year old boy and his older brother and brought to the United States through a family Visa.  He was too young to fully understand how important he was on this day.  As I said, it was probably 80 degrees out and humid as possible.  The little came guy came bouncing into the facility with his dad and sat right down next to me.  He was neatly dressed, his hair all brushed, shoes polished and just a bubbly bunch of energy.  He was also very polite and talkative, a clean slate of open eyed trust and faith.  He had on very cute pin striped pants and couldn't  have been more proud of himself that day because he dressed himself. 

The facility we were using didn't have the best of air conditioning so I was showing signs of feeling the heat, a little runny make-up, a bit of friz in my hair and that clammy feeling.  But my little DNA participant didn't feel a thing.  He had dressed himself to the nines that day and I don't think that his Dad took a good look at him before leaving the house.  My little DNA guy, in 80 degrees and probably 80% humidity had on his Blue Winter Coat with the Big Red Race Car on the front that you couldn't miss as he sat down next to me to tell me all about the car. And underneath, his warm snuggly Big Red Race Car jacket, he has put on two of his favorite yellow T-Shirts - which may have had something to do with sports again but I was too dazzled by his Blue Winter Coat to hear him say what sports the Two T-Shirts underneath his Blue Winter Jacket represented.  You see he did know there was something important about him today, more so than other days and so he had dressed for the event.  All through the DNA test, he talked about the Red Race Car, not the least interested in what a really important thing he was doing that day and I can tell you for two days I smiled about this little guy and his Blue Winter Jacket with Red Racing Car.  Just for the record, his big brother was just as sweet and polite but he didn't have a Red Racing Car jacket. 

You see DNA Tests are not always about "whose the daddy" - DNA tests offer so much more to our community besides just a simple Paternity Test. 

Sometimes, it is the little things that can make it all worthwhile. 

This page contains information about financial aid and scholarships for undocumented students, illegal aliens, financial aid and college application advisers. The terms "undocumented student", "illegal alien", and "illegal immigrant" are used interchangeably and intentionally to enable this page to be found by students and their parents who are trying to find information about the scholarship process for those with undocumented status.

Financial aid is generally not available for undocumented students and illegal aliens. The majority of all student aid, including Federal student aid, requires the recipient to be a US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) or an eligible non-citizen. There are, however, a few states that allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition rates. There are also several private scholarships available to undocumented students.

In-State Tuition

There is a conflict between Federal and State law regarding the eligibility of undocumented students (though no fault of their own) for in-state tuition rates.  Local New Jersey High School Financial Aid counselors may not know the students' status, but it is best to get the students' status corrected so that their are no surprises as they begin their search for college.

A simple DNA test, performed at your local DNA collector's office can confirm or deny a child's biological relationship to a documented father or mother.  If the child's status and his/her parents status is undocumented, there is more preparation involved and an immigration counselor can offer advice.  Catholic Charities, Legal Services of New Jersey, American Friends are all resources for such situations.  Call the DNA Lady at 732-632-8820 and she will provide you with contact information around New Jersey.     

Federal law passed in 1996 prohibits illegal aliens from receiving in-state tuition rates at public institutions of higher education. Specifically, Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Title 8, Chapter 14, Sec. 1623(a)) states: "an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a State (or a political subdivision) for any postsecondary education benefit (college financial aid) unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit (in no less an amount, duration, and scope) without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident."

Several states -- Texas, California, New York, Utah, Illinois, Washington, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas -- have passed state laws providing in-state tuition benefits to illegal aliens who have attended high school in the state for three or more years. Similar legislation is pending in Florida, Hawaii, Maryland (legislation passed, but awaiting governor's signature), Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. (Connecticut and Wisconsin also passed such a law, but their governors vetoed it.) The Nevada system of higher education does not consider immigration status for in-state tuition, but does require it for a state-sponsored scholarship. Also, some schools in Georgia provide in-state tuition benefits to illegal aliens. The Texas law also allows illegal aliens to receive state student financial aid.

These state laws attempt to circumvent the federal law by simply not asking students whether they are in the US legally. (The California law, AB 540, requires the student to file an affidavit that he/she has filed an application to legalize his/her immigration status or intends to file an application as soon as he/she is eligible to do so. So California doesn't even attempt to maintain the fiction that the school is unaware of the student's immigration status.) They also circumvent the law by basing eligibility for in-state tuition on attendance at or graduation from an in-state high school and not on state residence.

Subsection 8 USC 1621(d) permits states to provide illegal aliens with state and local public benefits provided that a state law is enacted after August 22, 1996 specifically permitting illegal aliens to receive such benefits. However, this subsection makes a potentially limiting reference to subsection 1621(a) and so does not override the restrictions in 8 USC 1623(a). As such, it would appear that the state laws permitting in-state tuition to illegal aliens are not permitted by the federal law.

Virginia passed a law barring illegal aliens from receiving in-state tuition, but it was vetoed by the governor. The state attorney general then stated that existing state law requires state colleges and universities to charge illegal aliens higher tuition. Legislation to ban in-state tuition for illegal aliens is pending in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Mississippi, and North Carolina. A bill to ban in-state tuition for illegal aliens was defeated in Arizona in March 2005, but a ballot initiative requiring illegal aliens to pay out-of-state tuition and making them ineligible for state student financial aid (Proposition 300) was passed in November 2006 and went into effect on December 7, 2006. States banning in-state tuition for illegal aliens include Georgia and Colorado. (The Colorado attorney general ruled on August 14, 2007 that Colorado students who were born in the US of illegal immigrant parents may nevertheless pay in-state tuition rates. The argument is that a US citizen -- the student -- is the beneficiary of the in-state tuition, not the parents, so the parents' illegal status should have no bearing on eligibility. This follows in the footsteps of a late-2006 settlement between the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana and the ACLU of Indiana, concerning denial of state scholarships in the Indiana 21st Century Scholars Program to an otherwise eligible US citizen student because of her parents' illegal status.)

The heart of the controversy concerning in-state tuition for illegal immigrants is a conflict between pragmatism, compassion and fairness. On the one hand, why should children of illegal immigrants be punished for violations of immigration law by their parents or for delays caused by bureaucracy? Denying illegal aliens in-state tuition rates denies most of them access to a higher education. Many of these students will eventually become legal residents. One can also argue that the cost of not helping these students pursue a higher education is greater than the cost of helping them. Education increases tax revenues and decreases spending on welfare, health care and law enforcement. (The 1997 report The New Americans by the National Research Council found that immigrants -- both legal and undocumented -- with a college education save the government money, while those with just a high school diploma consume more in services than they contribute in taxes.) It seems inconsistent to provide illegal aliens with a free public elementary and secondary school education, only to deny them access to a post-secondary (college) education. This effectively limits their potential.  On the other hand, why should law-abiding US citizens have to pay higher public college tuition rates than illegal aliens? They too can be helped by lower in-state tuition rates, providing future benefits to the state and the nation. To the extent that in-state tuition rates are intended to provide a benefit to state taxpayers whose tax dollars support state colleges, the tuition breaks for illegal aliens are somewhat inconsistent. (While only 5 percent of undocumented workers file federal income tax returns according to the Mexican Migration Project (MMP), a much larger percentage have taxes withheld from their paychecks. Of the roughly 2,100 undocumented workers surveyed by the MMP, as much as two-thirds report having had federal income taxes withheld from 1997-2002. Other, more conservative studies estimate that about half of undocumented workers have income taxes withheld from their paychecks. It is unclear whether the employers deliver the withheld taxes to the government or are simply pocketing the money. Since very few undocumented workers file income tax returns to obtain a refund, effectively these workers are paying taxes at a higher marginal rate than US citizens. However, a greater percentage of US citizen workers have income taxes withheld and file income tax returns than undocumented workers.) Yet the Federal government also lacks a consistent and enforceable immigration policy, nor the will to devote sufficient resources to enforce existing immigration law.

This controversy is unlikely to be resolved until the US Supreme Court hears a case concerning it. (The most likely test case will be a lawsuit, Day v. Sebelius, filed on July 19, 2004 to challenge a Kansas law (76-731a) that allows children of illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition rates. However, the US Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled on August 30, 2007 (05-3309) that the plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the constitutionality of the Kansas law and that the plaintiffs lacked a private right of action to enforce preemption by 8 USC 1623. The court's decision hinged on the plaintiffs failure to demonstrate that they had suffered actual "concrete and non-speculative" harm from the Kansas law, nor that the injury would be redressed by overturning the law. In particular, even if the court struck the provision allowing illegal alien state residents to qualify for in-state tuition, the plaintiffs would still not be qualified to obtain tuition rates reserved for residents. Likewise, the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between the benefits accorded to illegal aliens and the tuition charged to nonresident US citizens. As such, their claimed injury is conjectural and hypothetical, and unsupported by evidence. Since the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring their suit, the appeals court did not evaluate whether the Kansas law violates the equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment or the merits of the preemption claims brought by the plaintiffs.) On December 17, 2007, the 10th circuit court of appeals denied a request for a rehearing before the full court. Most likely the decision will focus on the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment of the US Constitution, as did the decision in Plyler v. Doe, 457 US 202 (1982). It will also likely overturn state laws, regardless of whether they provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants or ban it, since the authority to regulate immigration belongs exclusively to the federal government. It might also find that offering reduced in-state tuition to state residents is unconstitutional.

Court cases in Kansas and California have also focused on the use of the word 'benefit' in 8 USC 1623, arguing that Congress's intent was to restrict monetary benefits and that in-state tuition is not a monetary benefit but a status benefit. In particular, "state or local public benefit" is defined in 8 USC 1621(c)(1)(B) as benefits for which "payments or assistance are provided to an individual, household, or family eligibility unit by an agency of a State or local government or by appropriated funds of a State or local government" and 8 USC 1623(a) uses the word "amount" in connection with the term "postsecondary education benefit". The crux of the argument is that reduced in-state tuition is not a monetary benefit because payments are never made to the individual or family. However, one could also argue that Congress's intent in passing this law was clearly to prohibit in-state tuition for illegal aliens in addition to state financial aid, and that reduced in-state tuition falls within the scope of the term "assistance".

There is pending legislation in the House and Senate that would repeal the Federal restriction and make college more affordable for illegal aliens. (The original 2003 Senate version of the bill was known as the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (S 1545) and the original House version of the bill was known as the Student Adjustment Act (HR 1684). These bills were reintroduced in the 110th Congress as the DREAM Act of 2007 (S.774) and the American Dream Act (H.R.1275), with the latter bundled into the STRIVE Act of 2007 (H.R.1645).) The DREAM Act would permit states to determine state residency for higher education purposes by repealing Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It would also provide a mechanism for undocumented students of good moral character to become legal permanent residents and to qualify for Federal student aid.

Additional information can be obtained from the National Conference of State Legislatures site.

Scholarships

Another potential source of financial aid is private scholarships. There are a few private scholarships for undocumented students that do not require the student to be a US citizen or resident or have a social security number in order to apply. Information about such scholarships can be found in the FastWeb scholarship search. Other good resources include the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) (see especially the MALDEF List of Scholarships for Undocumented Students and the MALDEF Scholarships) and the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund.

Federal Student Aid

If the student is a US Citizen but one or more parents are undocumented, the student is eligible for federal student aid. However, if the parents supply a fake or stolen social security number (SSN) on the form, the student's FAFSA will be rejected when the parent's social security number fails to match. The FAFSA may also be rejected when the parents submit a SSN or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) that is valid for work purposes only. If the parents do not have a social security number or the social security number fails the match, they should use 000-00-0000 as their social security number on the FAFSA form.

In the world of pregnant women, there is so much information and knowledge to quickly absorb that we hope this blogs sheds some light.

Are you pregnant - get to a doctor.  If you have already done an Over the Counter Pregnancy tests and the results are positive - congratulations and call your OB/GYN.  If you do not have a regular OB/GYN who is familiar with your medical history, get a referral from your Primary Care Physician and find one because if you are old enough to get pregnant, you are old enough to be seen by an OB/GYN.  Regular OB/GYN visits should be a part of your own health care agenda as soon as you are sexually active.  There are Planned Parenthood clinics, women's wellness clinics and other healthcare agencies and hospital related clinics throughout the state and country able to educate you about the responsibilities and risks of being a sexually active woman.  God knows there are enough TV shows willing to delve into the subject of teen pregnancy, out of wedlock pregnancy, planned pregnancy, surrogate pregnancy etc.,  There is simply no excuse today, not to be seen by an OB/GYN, once you become sexually active.    

In this day and age, many young women have the benefit of planning pregnancies around their professional lives or that of there husbands/significant other.  If you happen to be one of these lucky women, you still need to know that there is a host of testing available in your first and second trimester that will offer you information about risks for chromosome abnormalities.  The risk for a fetal chromosome abnormality increases as women get older.  Pregnant women age 35 and older are often offered diagnostic testing through either a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or an amniocentesis (Amnio) to determie if their baby has a chromosome problem.  Women younger than 35 are routinely offered a blood test in the second trimester (Quad screen) to determine if their baby is at an icnreased risk for a chromosome abnormality.  In the last five years (this writing is as of 2010) there have been better developments in first trimester screening which offers detection rates for trisomy 18 and Down syndrome at least equivalent to the Quad screen.  First Trimester screening is also an accepted standard in over 50 countries.

It is at this same time, when you are doing the above chromosomal diagnostic testing that you can participate in a PreNatal Paternity Test.  If your doctor is planning on performing either the CVS or Amnio, you can call and schedule your local DNA collector to meet  you at your doctor's office on the same day.  The usual process is both mom and alleged father meet the DNA collector either on the day of the amnio or CVS or at a previously agreed upon date.  The first meeting is to exchange identification, collect mom's and alleged father's DNA, accept payment and sign consent forms.  The second meeting is then in the doctor's office (genetic counselor, OB/GYN, Perinatologists) where the procedure (Amnio or CVS) is performed by your doctor.  The DNA collector supplies the doctor with an additional sample tube so that the doctor can provide either amniotic fluid or tissue from the CVS.  It is very important that you understand the risks to yourself and your baby before having any of these tests performed. ASK YOUR DOCTOR ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RISKS INVOLVED AND  YOUR CONCERNS - WRITE YOUR QUESTIONS DOWN ON PAPER BEFORE YOU MEET WITH THE DOCTOR.  You can combine the meetings to one day at the doctor's office; however, your DNA collector willll need to speak to your doctor or his staff prior to the meeting.  Prenatal Paternity Test results are generally returned within 5 - 7 business days after receipt at laboratory.  Prenatal Paternity Tests are COLLECTED on Monday,  Tuesday or Wednesday only due to sensitivity and viability of the Prenatal Samples.

First trimester screening is a combination of a blood test with a special certified ultrasound exam performed when you are between 11 weeks and 13 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy.  Downs Syndrome babies have an extra number 21 chromosome which occurs in about 1 in 800 live-born babies.  Trisomy 18, an extra number 18 chromosome, causes severe mental retardation and multiple birth defects.  Your blood is analyzed for two proteins called the free-Beta-hcG and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma Protein-A).  The ultra sound test determines the gestational age (how many weeks are you pregnant) of the fetus and measure thea mount of fluid between teh baby's spine and the skin on the back of the neck, which is called the nuchal translucency.  The blood tests and the results from the NT ultrasound are combined to estimate risks of either Downs Syndrome or Trisomy 18.  It is important to understand that these are "screenings" and not "diagnostic" tests.   First trimester screening only provides you with a risk estimate - it does not confirm the presence of Downs syndrome or Trisomy 18.  Diagnostic testing such as the amnio or CVS will be offered to those individuals whose risk estimate is higher than the norm.  Genetic Counselors can provide possible reasons why a pregnancy was found to have an increased risk of chromosomal abnormality and will review your options about further diagnostic testing.  A trained genetic counselor will review your family history, medical history, pregnancy history and help you to interpret your own unique situation and offer choices that are right for your family.

The most important responsibility you have as a pregnant women is to find an OB/GYN you can work with, can communicate with and feel comfortable asking questions.  This is your baby and your pregnancy and irrespective of your relationship with the father of the child - as a women you carry the responsibility of taking care of yourself and your unborn child during these nine months.  If you need to confirm paternity, prior to the birth of your child, prenatal paternity tests are available and can help you to remove any lingering doubts and stress.  Most hospitals in New Jersey offer Maternal Fetal classes to educate you on what to expect during pregnancy, allows you to view the maternity unit where you will give birth to your baby, offers classes to "big" sisters and brothers to give them an idea on how to welcome their new baby and instructions on how to breast feed.  Most of the classes are either free of charge or request a nominal fee but it is a good idea for new moms and dads to participate as the nurses and staff who offer these courses have lots of practice with new babies and new families and can help ease your questions.

Yes, I get that question regularly and when I first heard it, I thought that maybe someone needed a short lesson in Biology even though they obviously understood the fertilization part.  But then I realized my customers are very smart and they know that DNA can be found on so many different items - that what she was really asking is if we can create a DNA profile from something other than her husband's mouth.  The answer of course is yes.  We can create a DNA profile of her husband and then submit her children's DNA in order for an experienced and accredited lab analyst to compare the profiles and look for genetic markers indicating paternity.

There are many different items that we can use to create her husband's DNA profile in order to determine if he is the biological father of the two children involved.  The reader may find this to be sneaky but you don't always know the circumtances - perhaps she is protecting herself from an abusive individual?  Perhaps she is trying to insure that her children are cared for while she searches and confirms who their real father is.  Perhaps the children's real father is a U.S. citizen and she wants to have her children legally entered into the United States.  You simply can't judge until you've walked in her shoes.  In New Jersey, it is the State that automatically assumes the husband to be the father of the children and automatically enters his information on the child's Certificate of Parentage - unless both partners speak up declare that is not the case and another man signs an Acknowledgement of Paternity.  At a time when all family members are in the hospital room "oohing" and "aahing" over the new addition to their family - I doubt that any new mother wants to initiate a conversation or place doubt in anyone's mind about the paternity of the child.

Rather than get into the emotions and moral side of this subject, I would like to explain the methods by which we can determine a man is the father, without actually having that man present at the DNA collection.  First, only a legal guardian can bring in minor children for collection by a private DNA collector - so in this case, the mother is a legal guardian and can prove it by bringing in either the hospital discharge papers, the birth certificates, her healthcare cards with the children's names plus her own identification, driver's license, passport, any current photo id.  We then collect DNA from the children and the mother in the usual manner. 

The mother is asked to bring in anyone of the following items belonging to the "alleged" biological father:

Blood - may be obtained from diabetic test strips, band-aids, clothing, tissues;FTA Blood Stain cards (used in deceased alleged father tests)

Clothing - may contain sweat from underarm, bandannas, hats, baseball caps, underwear - tissues and/or handerkerchief with nasal mucous

Dental Floss -must be properly handled and stored

Used Q-Tips - must be properly handled and stored

Razor Clippings - must be properly handled and stored

Gum - preferably sugar fee

Nails - fingers and toes - freshly trimmed

Sperm  - air dried on a q-tip or present on underwear

Toothbrush - by far the easiest to provide for DNA analysis

Toothpick - must be handled properly

I don't mention hair, because hair samples must contain the root or follicle and must be the thickness of a pencil eraser head.  It would be difficult for anyone to collect hair in that manner without bringing attention to themselves. 

An accredited laboratory will have trained personnel able to lift DNA and create genetic profiles and match to the regular samples of the children's and look for any indicative mutations or non-matches.

So - do we need the father present for a DNA test - no, not really.  Do we need the mother present for a Paternity Test - no, not really.  Having the mother's DNA does allow the laboratory to provide stronger results - because we have definite knowledge of one half of the children's DNA.  The cost is not all that prohibitive to do a Paternity Test using any of the above unusual samples.  It may take a little longer than the usual 3 person (mother, father and one child) paternity test 3 business day turn around time but considering the importance of the information involved - the wait is worth it.

If it has been a while since you updated your estate plan, now is the time to review your plan and update accordingly. Failing to plan your estate may increase tax liability to your heirs.

Lacking a written plan allows:

• the state courts to split up your assets;
• assign guardians for minor children;
• chose a court appointed executor for your estate.

If you do not have a settlement plan for your final expenses the cost may increase due to administrative expenses and unnecessary taxes imposed by the State. The tax laws are ever changing, find a CPA that is well versed in your State's estate and tax planning strategies.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Estate Tax Exemption in 2008 is $2,000,000 per person. This will increase to $3,500,000 in 2009 and then be repealed in 2010. Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption is capped at $1,000,000 per person.
• Consider giving a Gift to your grandchild in the form of tuition or medical expenses

While you are updating your estate plan, check to see that your beneficiaries have been updated as well:

• Has your family tree changed at all?
• Have there been any new births or deaths since you last recorded your estate plan?
• Do relatives by marriage need to be included in your estate plan?
• Is there perhaps a relative that you have a doubt about the biological relationship?

Today's gold standard in confirmation of biological confirmation is DNA testing. DNA testing technology has improved to the point that results from an accredited laboratory can be obtained in as fast as 3 business days depending on the relationship being tested.

Do you think in the future that your DNA profile would be a useful tool for family members? Since we do not know how the DNA industry will be eventually regulated, it is not suggested that you allow anyone else (laboratories) to store your DNA. However, a private genetic profile can be obtained and stored confidentially with other important documents. Contrary to all the hype, obtaining a private genetic profile is non invasive and not expensive. Your genetic profile may provide information to family members in the future, the benefits of which we have not yet identified.

Whether you are discussing assets, children, inheritance, family business, or final expenses, having an Estate Plan in place is essential to safeguard your loved ones' future.  Having your DNA profiled, is using today's technology to insure your family's assets stay within the family. If you spent the better part of your life creating your family's wealth, don't let it go to ruin or to unrelated individuals claiming to be entitled.

So you think your girlfriend is pregnant or you received a call from a girl that you met briefly a few months ago or your ex-wife says she pregnant and it is yours, she thinks.  Here are some things to think about before you take any action:

Positive Steps to Take Today

Listen to the young woman and understand that she had the courage to call you with this information and needs to hear your support, regardless of your initial thoughts. The situation involves more than just you.

Stay Calm. She may be carrying the baby, but you are both responsible for the care and support of the child now.  Regardless of your relationship with the mother, now and in the future, every baby needs to have both parents in his/her life.

Talk about it - not only with each other, but talk with parents, counselors, doctors, spiritual advisors, siblings and others close to the situation. Hiding the news from people who can genuinely help you only increases your stress.  Think of what your life would be like if you didn't have both of your parents or what your life would have been if you had both parents present.  Providing a child with confirmation of both biological parents helps to build a foundation for self esteem.

Gather all the facts. Today, your local DNA collector can offer Pre-Natal Paternity Tests.  An OB/GYN will need to explain the risks associated with Amniocentesis or CVS sampling, but from these two Pre-Natal Genetic testing, we can provide Paternity results in as fast as 5 business days.  The pregnancy has to be at least 9 weeks along.  Get all the information and seek wise counsel so you can make the best decision for both of you and for the unborn child.  If you are able to wait, a regular Paternity Test can be done as quickly as the day of birth.

Express yourself honestly - depending on the situation, it is very normal to have feelings of fear, anger, betrayal, and mistrust.

Negative Actions that will Affect Your Life in Future

Don't bail. The more you run from this, the harder it becomes to think and act clearly.  The State can mandate that you participant in a DNA test but wouldn't it be better if you took the action first and kept your DNA out of the State system.  If the pregnant woman says you are the father, and you have any doubts, a simple, non invasive DNA test confirms Paternity or not.  If you ask her to have a PreNatal Paternity test, be sure you are both aware of the risks to both mother and baby.  If the mother plans on having the baby regardless of whether you will support her in this decision, you can have a regular Paternity Test performed any time after the baby is born.   To be fair to the child, have the DNA test done as quickly as possible after birth, thus eliminating unnecessary stress and allowing you and your family members to begin bonding with the baby.

Don't pressure her. Applying pressure will only push her away, possibly into a regretful situation. You will do well to work together as a team - it is a practice for when you are both parenting.  It is time to "man up", you took the action and now you need to take responsibility for your actions.  Family members are a tried and true source of support, but failing that, the State provides many services for new moms and dads, including parenting skill classes, employment training, food stamps, housing assistance.  Everyone is behind you in creating a good life for your new baby.

Don't forget. You have a very active role in this situation. Listen to input from people who have experience and have your best interest at heart.  Give your thoughts and fears about the situation a voice.  Talk to other men with similar experience.

Today, there are so many different uses for DNA tests. 

The most common, of course, is a Paternity Test.   A by-Product of these Paternity Tests is a genetic profile of the child which  you may use to assist local authorities in an emergency.  Paternity Tests (and any other DNA collection) should be performed by a local collections expert so that you are confident in the results.  The DNA collections expert knows how to collect, secure and ship DNA samples to the lab so that there are no "mix-ups" at origin or destination. Paternity tests are performed for men who just have a nagging doubt; for children who have never been sure about their parentage and for grandparents who just don't see a resemblance or similarity in a child.

DNA tests are also used to expedite the immigration process.  When the USCIS, National Visa Center or a U.S. Embassy in a foreign country issues a "Request For Evidence", the fastest and most widely accepted form of confirmation of relationship is via a non-invasive DNA test.  Again, you should select an accredited laboratory and a local collections expert.  Having someone local to walk you through the process of collection and identification in the United States, appointment setting, collection and acceptable identification in the country of origin and then follow up once results have been sent to the Embassy is time saving and cost effective.  A local DNA collections expert knows your story, the parties involved in the testing, the foreign country's process and the time frame of the tests.

As a by product of this gold standard of identification, the parents and families that have DNA tests have unwittingly taken an additional measure of safety for their children.  In the event of an emergency, if a child or loved goes missing, the family has an additional tool to provide to authorities to search or track their missing loved one.  When you receive a copy of the DNA test from the laboratory, whether for paternity, immigration, siblingship - you have a genetic profile of  your family member.  Like fingerprints and dentition, DNA is used to identify someone and possibly track their whereabouts.  Place the genetic profile along with other important family documents, ie, birth certificates, death certificates, passports, deeds, titles etc., for safekeeping.

There are DNA collection facilities that offer an individual DNA Type Certificate as a measure for Child Safety.  The individual DNA type may also be used for adults with disabilities, civilians working in foreign countries and those employed in high risk professions.  Without knowing it, those moms and dads who have undergone DNA testing to confirm the biological relationship, have safeguarded their children with just another measure of safety.  Those parents hold an additional tool to assist authorities in searching for and returning their children to safety.  As school lets out, why not host a Child Safety Identification party in your backyard - call your local DNA collections expert and have your children profiled with the gold standard of identification - a DNA genetic profile.

Alleged fathers, worried new moms, adults in search of parents, grandparents.

Day in and day out, we pick up the phone and hear different voices,  with a nagging doubt about a grandchild but most of all - just people, like you and me, with questions about the DNA testing process. 

Often times the young men (alleged fathers) are concerned about the child, but also just want to protect themselves.   There are the young men, though who are shell shocked about the situation because they haven't had any contact with the new mother in months.  Recently I met a young guy, who was seeing the new born baby for the first time on the day of the Paternity Test.  His reaction was a "handshake and congratulations" to the new mom?  Is it cultural or was this sad?  Nine months ago this young couple were so close that they conceived a child (allegedly) together and today they can barely be in the same room with one another.   I have had other couples, who because of circumstances need a Court Admissible Paternity Test, and when I try to photograph the couple, I can barely get them close enough to be in the same photo.  Yet again, we know that 9 months ago....

The women, if they have just given birth are either angry or just feeling lousy and want to get the whole process over whereas the grandparents are only inquiring on behalf of their "son".  Whatever the circumstances, the DNA Lady provides answers and assurance that DNA testing is the most conclusive method available to prove a biological relationship. 

I also work with adults, who have spent the better part of their adult life searching for a biological parent.  There is sometimes a happy ending and after 30 something years of "not knowing" , "just not sure", "mom, wasn't clear on her information" - we find the alleged fathers - in another state but willing and interested in having the DNA test.   I think I get the most satisfaction out of these tests - because the parties involved are usually very happy to be tested and truly concerned with the outcome of the tests.  Also, maybe a little sad at having lost the opportunity to know their child as he/she grew up. 

Frequently Asked Questions about DNA and Paternity Tests, are listed below.

• Why would I need a DNA test?
• Who is tested in a paternity test?
• How accurate are DNA tests?
• What is used for a DNA test sample?
• How are the DNA samples collected?
• Can tested parties live in different cities?
• When will I receive my paternity test results?
• Can I use DNA Lady's test results in court?
• How can I pay for my DNA test?
• Does DNA Lady offer a payment plan?
• How do I make an appointment for my DNA test?
• What should I bring to my Legal DNA sample collection appointment?
• Is the mother's DNA sample required for a paternity test?
• Is it a problem if there are two possible fathers and they are related?
• Can I do a paternity test before the baby is born?
• How much will my DNA test cost?
• Is there a DNA sample collection location near me?
• What happens at the DNA sample collection appointment?
• Will my DNA test results be legally defensible?
• Can DNA test results be used to obtain child support?
• What does "chain of custody process" mean?
• Who is entitled to receive the DNA paternity test results?

Alleged fathers who are related

If two possible fathers are related as full brothers or father and son, they may share many of the DNA markers used in paternity testing. This means that if proper precautions are not taken, both men could test positive as the child's biological father. DNA testing will determine paternity in a case involving related alleged fathers but we must be aware of the situation before the testing process begins.

Usually the mother, child and alleged father should all be tested. The mother contributed one-half of her DNA to the child and the remaining DNA must then match the alleged father. It is possible to obtain accurate results without mother's sample if she is not available for testing.

DNA Lady offers two options:

• Test both alleged fathers, the child, and the mother at the same time. By comparing both alleged fathers' DNA profiles with the child's DNA profile, our expert laboratory staff can achieve accurate and conclusive test results. There is an added fee for the additional alleged father.
• Test one alleged father with extended analysis. This option can be taken when only one of the alleged fathers is available for testing. To produce a conclusive result, we must perform extended testing and statistical analysis. There is an additional fee for the extended testing and analysis. 

DNA test results provided by DNA Lady are extremely accurate.

We routinely release test results with a probability of paternity of 99.9% or higher; or, 100% probability in cases which exclude the alleged father. In addition we test each DNA sample twice following the highest standards in quality control which is unprecedented in the DNA testing industry.

DNA Lady uses a cotton-tipped swab, called a "buccol cheek swab". The DNA Sample is collected by swabbing the inside cheek of the mouth. It is painless and non-invasive, and the results are just as accurate as blood samples. For certain kinds of DNA tests, like those for infidelity, other biological samples are acceptable including drops of blood or other genetic material found on an item of clothing.

We make the DNA sample collection process easy and convenient for you. First we will either arrange an appointment at our collection facility or we can have our collector come to you on a mobile basis. We will even make arrangements to come to the hospital as early as the day of birth of the child. Once your DNA sample has been collected it is sent to the lab for processing.  The collection process takes less than 30 minutes, including any paperwork that needs to be sent with your DNA sample.

DNA Lady will make arrangements for all parties' samples to be collected in the place that is most convenient to them. All DNA test samples are coordinated by your assigned case manager if they are collected in different locations.

After your DNA samples are collected and the test fee has been paid in full, it typically takes three to five business days to report the DNA test results back to you. Next-day service is also available for an additional cost.

The report we provide from our Legally-Admissible DNA Test is evidence that proves or disproves paternity if sample collections are performed using the chain-of-custody process. If your DNA sample is not collected by a disinterested third party (the Chain of Custody process) then the DNA test results cannot be used as evidence in court.

Yes you can if the mother is between 10 and 24 weeks pregnant. An OB-GYN can collect a DNA sample from the developing child through either chorionic villi sampling (10-13 weeks) or amniocentesis (14-24 weeks). The baby's prenatal sample can then compared against the mother's and alleged father's DNA samples which are collected using the buccal (cheek) swabbing method. There will be additional fee involved in the collection of the baby's DNA sample and you need to check with your doctor regarding this additional fee.

Custody Process for legal DNA paternity testing

The chain of custody process is what makes the paternity test results legally defensible in courts and other government agencies.

DNA Lady strictly adheres to the Chain of Custody. Legal DNA test results are used for legal purposes such as child custody, child support, immigration, Social Security benefit claims, inheritance claims, and for other situations like Native American tribal enrollment.

When you come to the DNA sample collection appointment you will be need to do the following in order to meet the Chain of Custody requirements:

• Present government-issued identification for adults being tested
• Present identification for minors such as a birth certificate or social security card
• You will be photographed and fingerprinted
• You must complete a Client Identification and Consent Form (the minor's consent form should be signed by the child's legal guardian)

Please make sure that adults have the required government-issued identification and that you remember to bring a birth certificate or social security card for your minor child.

There are three main points in a chain of custody process:

• The tested parties are properly identified when their samples are collected. (Their government-issued IDs are verified and photocopied, and the individuals are photographed and thumbprinted.) 
• The samples are collected by a neutral third party-someone who has no personal interest in the outcome of the test (e.g., a hospital, clinic, or laboratory staff person). 
• The samples are tamper-taped, securely packaged at the collection site, and carefully inspected upon receipt for any evidence of tampering. 

When these three requirements are satisfied and documented, the paternity test results are legally defensible. This means that you can use them for legal purposes like child custody, child support, immigration and Native American tribal enrollment.

DNA Lady and You

The DNA lady has been providing DNA Tests in New Jersey for a number of years.  You will find that I am a good listener and will educate you on the best tests available for your circumstances.  I believe that every child has the right to now know their biological parents, if the child chooses and if in the process there would be no harm to anyone. 

We have an extensive network of DNA sample collection locations. When you contact us a dedicated case manager will schedule a local appointment that is convenient for all of the tested parties. We will schedule your DNA sample collection appointment at a time and place that works best for you.

When you arrive at your appointment your identification will be verifed and photocopied by the sample collector. You will also have your photograph and thumbprint taken and you will need to sign a consent form for the DNA test. These three elements are required by the chain of custody process in order to make your DNA test results legally defensible.

The DNA sample collector will collect your DNA samples using buccal swabs.  These are cotton-like swabs that he or she will rub against the inside of your cheek to "collect" loose cheek cells. The collector will then send all the DNA samples and paperwork directly to our laboratory.

You may pay for your DNA test with cash, a personal check, cashier's check, money order or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express).  DNA test results are not issued until the test fee has been paid in full.  We will work with you on a payment plan that you can afford to make.

Legitimate DNA paternity testing establishes legal proof-of-paternity/non-paternity for a variety of legal applications, including child support and custody cases. The process, though subject to stringent collection standards, is still painless, and relatively simple for all participants.

As an independent party to the case, the appointed collector ensures that each participant is properly identified, officially witnessing the collection of each sample. This individual is responsible for mailing samples directly to the lab thereby eliminating the possibility of any tampering or contamination by participating parties.

There are only a select group of labs accredited by both the AABB and ISO standards bodies, the organizations responsible for monitoring the legal DNA testing process. The collection process and materials used are subject to strict AABB/ISO guidelines.

Collecting the Proof

The best labs provides the collector with a complete legal DNA collection kit, which includes the following forms and collection materials for each participant:

• Chain-of-custody forms
• Pre-addressed air bill
• Swabs/Envelopes
• Instructions
• Plastic bio-hazard bag

Acceptable identification and documentation includes items such as government-issued photo identification and birth certificates.

The official process is completed in three easy steps:

• The collector reviews all identification and documentation, and--along with all participants--signs and dates photocopies of each. (Acceptable identification and documentation includes such items as government-issued photo IDs and birth certificates.)
• Each participant signs (where possible) and dates the completed chain-of-custody form, which the collector certifies with their signature.
• Sample collection is completed in the collector's presence, after which test swabs are sealed in their respective envelopes, and--together with the completed documentation--submitted to the lab for testing.

It's that simple.

Client Services representatives should be available to provide assistance with this--or any other--testing process. The goal is to make the entire experience as smooth and painless as possible.

How Does Testing Work?

A reputable genetics laboratory analyzes markers according to the FBI-developed Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for a genetic print; this focus on 13 important genetic signposts is the most reliable paternity test method commercially available.

In addition, some laboratories employ a unique dual-sample testing process that, concurrently examines multiple instances of genetic specimens in-parallel. This method yields extremely high levels of accuracy, with inclusion probabilities regularly exceeding 99.99%.

Time Frame

Paternity test results are released as early as 3 business days following receipt of viable specimens. Upon test completion, data reporting specialists prepare detailed genetics analysis that can be accessed immediately.

Cutting Edge Technology

Genetic research recently has distinguished itself with an unparalleled combination of rigid scientific discipline and technical excellence. Laboratories with their pool of Ph.D. and M.S. scientists are dedicated to the tireless spirit of innovation. There has been a perpetual drive to innovate and improve the speed, accuracy and comprehensiveness of DNA testing

More babies were born in the United States in 2007 than any other year in the nation's history -- and a wedding band made increasingly little difference in the matter.

The 4,317,119 births, reported by federal researchers recently, topped the 1957 record which was at the height of the baby boom. The lowest birth rates recorded in the United States occurred during the Great Depression.The difference between the baby boom of post World War II USA, and the "boomlet" of today is that less woman were having more babies in post World War II (an average of 4 children per household) as opposed to more women having less babies today (an average of 2.1 per household) - that would mean there are more men having more babies today, too. The U.S. population is more than replacing itself, a healthy trend, however, the trend also indicated that teen birth rate was up for a second year in a row - perhaps a result of lack of education on birth control, a snapshot of the changes in our culture or the decline in abortions in our country. Whatever the case, teen birth rates generally fall into the "unwed" mother category and the father needs to sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity in most states.

The birth rate rose slightly for women of all ages, and births to unwed mothers reached an all-time high of about 40 percent, continuing a trend that started years ago. More than three-quarters of these women were 20 or older.

For a variety of reasons, it's become more acceptable for women to have babies without a husband, said Duke University's S. Philip Morgan, a leading fertility researcher. Should sperm donors be required to submit to a DNA test for the record, in case in 20 years from now, their offspring require DNA history for medical purposes?

Even happy couples may be living together without getting married, experts say. And more women -- especially those in their 30s and 40s -- are choosing to have children despite their single status.In most states, if the mother and father are not married, then the child's birth certificate does not automatically have the man listed as the father. The father usually has about 60 days to have his name placed on the birth certificate which is ample time to have a paternity test.

While the number of births in the U.S. reached nearly 4.3 million in 2006, mainly due to a larger population, especially a growing number of Hispanics, it's not clear the boomlet will last. Some experts think birth rates are already declining because of the economic recession that began in late 2007.The 2007 figures reflected a relatively good economy coupled with cultural trends that promoted childbirth; however, we need the fathers of these children to be properly acknowledged so that the children receive support from their father's and not the state. Today's DNA tests provide fast Peace of Mind for any man with a doubt about the paternity of a child.

Meanwhile, U.S. abortions dropped to their lowest levels in decades, according to other reports. Some have attributed the abortion decline to better use of contraceptives, but other experts have wondered if the rise in births might indicate a failure in proper use of contraceptives. Some earlier studies have shown declining availability of abortions.

Neonatal-Perinatal

• Morris Cohen, Newark
• Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
• Beth Israel Hospital, Passaic
• Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville
• Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, Plainfield
• Trinitas Hospital-Williamson Street Campus, Elizabeth
• JFK Medical Center, Edison 973-926-7203
• Michael A. Graff Neptune 732-776-4283
• Frank P. Manginello Ridgewood 201-447-8388
• Lawrence M. Skolnick Morristown
• Morristown Memorial Hospital
• Overlook Hospital, Summit
• Saint Clare's Hospital, Denville
• Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains 973-971-5022
• Shyan C. Sun Livingston
• Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center, Toms River 973-322-5437
• Stephen E. Crane West Orange
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston 973-731-7707 infertility
• Doreen E. Degraaff Livingston
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston 973-740-1330
• Gary C. DeGrande Montclair
• Mountainside Hospital, Montclair 973-744-2226
• Richard De Marsico Montclair
• Mountainside Hospital, Montclair 973-744-2226
• Karen A. Dias-Martin Glen Ridge
• Mountainside Hospital, Montclair
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston 973-743-8585
• Mark Allen Fisher Montclair
• The University Hospital, Newark 973-655-9050
• Matthew D. Iammatteo Morristown
• Morristown Memorial Hospital 973-971-9950
• Daria Anna Klachko West Orange 973-325-5670
• Winsome J. Parchment Maplewood

Choosing a reliable paternity testing facility is as important as choosing the right lifetime partner. Besides the possible "clerical" errors mentioned in the below Raleigh, NC newspaper, some laboratories and collectors do not carry the proper accreditation and therefore the results are less reliable. Non-accredited DNA laboratories have been known to test less genetic systems. The rule of thumb in the DNA testing industry is to beware of tests results that do not provide a probability of paternity equal to or greater than 99%.

Find a private DNA Collections facility in your community, not state funded, so you are confident that their goal is to provide an accurate, reliable and convenient DNA test.  There are no motives for a private DNA testing facility to name you as the father, or not

Besides having the correct accreditations such as AABB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH - all important accreditations in quality control measures within the laboratory, once you receive your DNA tests results, you may have questions. When you use a local, private DNA testing facility, you have access to someone who will answer your questions. That individuals will most likely also remember your individual circumstances and may be able to further assist you in interpreting the results of the DNA test. A private, community based DNA testing facility is more likely to respond to your questions as they will also ask you for referrals to others in the same community. Relying on State-funded tests or out of state laboratories, both of whom hire independent collectors is a short sighted savings for such an important issue as Paternity.Many of the private DNA collections facility will work with you on the cost and payment plans.

See the below article from a NC newspaper - do you really want the State to determine if you are the father?

Excerpt from Raleigh, NC News & Observe

RALEIGH, N.C., April 13 (UPI) -- A North Carolina man said a clerical error following a paternity test nearly resulted in his making child support payments for a child that he did not father.

Charles Moody, 44, of Raleigh, said he took the paternity test after an ex-girlfriend claimed he was the father of her child and he became suspicious of her claim because of the time line of the baby's birth, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported Monday.

However, Moody said he was prepared to start child support payments after Wake County Child Support Enforcement sent him a letter reading: "Enclosed is a copy of the paternity test result which shows a probability of 99.99 percent that you are the biological father."

Moody said he eventually double-checked the letter and discovered that the test results, which were stapled to the letter, stated that the "results indicate that Charles Moody is not the biological father."

Moody said he contacted the department and received another letter five days later saying that the case had been dismissed.

"How many people don't bother to look at the test?" he asked. "Can you imagine how many people this has happened to?"

Lillian Overton, Wake County child support director, said the incident was the result of an employee mistakenly pushing a computer key confirming paternity rather than the key that would rule it out.

"Trust me," she said, "that is not a common error."

PATERNITY TESTING - IT'S NOT JUST FOR PARENTS ANYMORE

The unmarried birth rate is at an all-time high in the United States, topping out at in confirmed statistics at 36.8% in 2006 and possibly as high as 40% in 2008.  Social and governmental agencies alike are coping with establishing paternity for children.  However, there is a growing group that is affected by the issue of paternity that is being overlooked - grandparents.

According to AARP, nearly 6 million children are raised in households headed by grandparents or other relatives; 2.5 million of these children are without parents in the household at all, leaving their care and upbringing to their grandparents or other relatives. In light of the high out-of-wedlock birth rate, some grandparents must take an extra step and establish their biological relationship through DNA testing in order to gain legal guardianship or visitation rights to their grandchild.

There are also other, little-known situations that the grandparent generation is faced with in relation to their family status. They may have to establish paternity for reasons such as:

• Helping their son or daughter, who may have a child born outside of a marriage to determine paternity for the completion of the Acknowledgement of Paternity as quickly as possible.  Many grandparents do not want to wait for state testing because it can take weeks and months to prove or disprove paternity.  They want to know whether or not to bond with the grandchild to avoid future family dysfunction.
• Establishing paternity if the father is deceased, yet his name is not on the birth certificate. Helping the mother establish paternity will allow her to seek social security or military child-survivor benefits on behalf of the child, while affording grandparents the proof they need to establish legal visitation rights.
• Establishing paternity in situations where the grandchild may be placed in fostercare and preference is given to kinship support. Grandparents may need to prove their biological relationship to the child to take on the role as the legal guardian or foster parent.

"The needs of grandparents in today's society and culture are often overlooked.  Where parents are offered the opportunity to establish paternity through the state at either no cost or a minimal fee through the child support enforcement program, grandparents are usually not afforded this option if they must take on the role as the parent," states Mary C. Sullivan, owner of the local DNA Lady Metuchen NJ office. "Many times this population does not know where to turn for guidance in these situations, and it is our duty to educate them and relevant organizations in our communities that we are here to help grandparents get answers through various testing options."

How to Choose your DNA Collector?

DNA Testing is a dynamic and fast evolving industry. As this industry expands and the sophistication of the clientele increases, there will be a need for DNA Collectors to differentiate themselves through quality benchmarks.

As more people take a proactive role in their lives, and as antiquated paternity laws across the United States are updated, the DNA testing industry will further develop and mature and ultimately require an increased demand for certified neutral third party administrators to provide DNA collections and case management services.

Accrediting agencies are established to ensure high quality standards and accuracy of test results. Except for the State of New York, which has its own formal relationship laboratory evaluation program, the DNA testing industry standard is accreditation by the AABB. There are approximately 40 DNA laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks ("AABB"). Only those laboratories accredited by the AABB should be considered as private testing sources for legally-admissible DNA tests used as evidence in a court of law.

Other differentiating accreditations your DNA collector should be able to provide are College of American Pathologists (CAP); New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditations Board - International (ASCLD/LAB-International), the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) as distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and the Forensic Quality Services-International (FQS-I/ISO IEC 17025).

The average consumer does not understand the difference between a Legally Admissible DNA test and a DNA test from samples collected through a home collection kit. A legally-admissible test result requires strict chain-of-custody, from the moment a DNA sample is collected.The DNA sample must be collected by a disinterested third party; original photo identification must be presented; personal identification information is obtained, such as social security numbers and dates of birth; and tested parties are required to sign a form consenting to the DNA test. Diligent collectors go one step further by fingerprinting the parties involved in the DNA testing process.

An at home collection kit is sent to parties who wish to have a DNA test performed; however, want to remain anonymous. The samples are collected by the tested parties or parties they designate, and no proof of identification is required. AABB-accredited laboratories will place a disclaimer on test results derived from home collection kits, reflecting proper chain-of-custody procedures were not followed and therefore the results may not be used in a court to obtain child support or other benefits.

The number of genetic systems a laboratory analyzes determines the power of the test and the reliability of results.The number of genetic systems tested by a laboratory is a significant factor when choosing a private laboratory. Most AABB-accredited laboratories test 16 genetic systems, generally providing a probability of paternity of 99.9% or greater.

Non-accredited DNA laboratories have been known to test a lower number of genetic systems.The rule of thumb in the DNA testing industry is to beware of tests results that do not provide a probability of paternity equal to or greater than 99%. In the State of New Jersey, if the Probability of Paternity is 95% or higher, the man tested is presumed to be the biological father.

Look for an AABB-accredited laboratory that can test more than 16 genetic systems.You may need to test additional genes for complex cases, such as situations where the alleged father could be one of two brothers, or a brother and father; or an alleged father is deceased and a family reconstruction may be appropriate.

Some DNA laboratories have higher quality control measures than others. While accreditations are important, other measures of quality should be considered as well.

Here are some questions to ask when choosing a DNA collector:

• How many genetic systems do they test?
• How long has the laboratory been performing DNA identification tests?
• Are their final test results reviewed by a laboratory technician or PhD?
• Are their test results notarized?
• How do they maintain chain-of-custody documentation?

Whether you are planning to become one of the 6 million American women who become pregnant each year or you are already pregnant, the healthy choices you make before, during and after your pregnancy can have lasting, positive affects on you and your unborn child. 

Today's technology allows for couples to plan more effectively for pregnancies, however, if you find yourself pregnant here are some steps to help ensure a safe delivery and healthy baby:

• See a doctor for a pre-pregnancy exam
• Stop Smoking.  Your doctor can help you find the best method for you to use to quit.
  
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
  
• Minimize caffeine intake.  Caffeine can impair fertility and increase the risk for miscarriage and
• low birth weight.
  
• Exercise regularly - talk to you doctor on the best exercises for you
  
• Get adequate sleep
  
• Reduce Stress
  
• Gain or lose weight, if necessary.  It is best to begin your pregnancy at a healthy weight.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, like fruit juice, milk or water instead of soda and coffee.  Drink skim milk or eat low fat cheese or yogurt.
  
• Talk with your doctor to make sure you are getting enough folate
• Avoid Alcohol. 

As soon as you suspect you're pregnant, make an appointment to see a doctor, who will give you advice about diet, prenatal vitamins, exercise and other issues that may affect you and your baby, and help prevent or treat pregnancy related complications.

If you are unsure of the father of your unborn child, and you want to have a father involved in the care taking of your unborn child, you can request a Pre-Natal Paternity test.  In many cases, due to the age or genetic predisposition of the mother and alleged father, your doctor may recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling to determine if there are any other complications.  At the same time either of these tests are performed, you can schedule a Pre-Natal Paternity Test with your local DNA Lady.

A prenatal paternity test is completed by taking an oral swab of the mother, the alleged father and either a sample from the amniocentesis or cultured cells from the chorionic villi.  There is no additional risk to the mother or unborn child to have a prenatal paternity test scheduled.  Knowing the father of your child in advance, allows you to plan in advance for hospital and state paperwork, health benefits, visitation and other details that happen so quickly after the baby is born.  Having one more detail, already taken care of relieves the stress from this eventful time in new parents' lives and provides a strong foundation on which both families can begin to bond with the new child.  
 

Pennsylvania Paternity Acknowledgement and Paternity Testing

The following information is meant only to offer initial guidance to a new mom or new dad in the State of Pennsylvania. It is strongly suggested that you consult with your own attorney or contact a local legal services offices for further guidance on the issue of establishing paternity.

The DNA Lady offers accredited DNA testing with results provided in 3 business days. You have the option of coming to our private office (just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia) and completing a Court Admissible or Chain of Custody DNA Test to determine paternity or a Simple Peace of Mind Test to confirm/deny paternity. After years of offering DNA tests to families throughout the Northeast, we have seen DNA testing companies come and go. We recommend whatever DNA testing facility you engage that you question their accreditations and what happens if you need follow up in 5 years. We also recommend that your DNA testing facility provide you with a local office - not a home based business or a local laboratory that does independent collections Find someone who will answer your initial questions, perform your collection and then answer your follow up questions once you receive results.

Pennsylvania Paternity Determination Law Title 23, Part V, Ch.43, SubCh. C, § 4343.

Determination. - Where the paternity of a child born out of wedlock is disputed, the determination of paternity shall be made by the court in a civil action without a jury. A putative father may not be prohibited from initiating a civil action to establish paternity. The burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence. Bills for pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal care related to the pregnancy and genetic DNA testing are admissible as evidence without requiring third-party foundation testimony and shall constitute prima facie evidence of amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child. If there is clear and convincing evidence of paternity on the basis of genetic tests or other evidence, the court shall upon motion of a party issue a temporary order of support pending the judicial resolution of a dispute regarding paternity. The Supreme Court shall provide by general rule for entry of a default order establishing paternity upon a showing of service of process on the defendant and a subsequent failure to appear for scheduled genetic testing.

Limitation of actions.

• An action or proceeding under this chapter to establish the paternity of a child born out of wedlock must be commenced within 18 years of the date of birth of the child.
• As of August 16, 1984, the requirement of paragraph (b)(1) shall also apply to any child for whom paternity has not yet been established and any child for whom a paternity action was brought but dismissed because of a prior statute of limitations of less than 18 years.

Genetic tests.

• Upon the request of any party to an action to establish paternity, supported by a sworn statement from the party, the court or domestic relations section shall require the child and the parties to submit to genetic tests. The domestic relations section shall obtain an additional genetic DNA test upon the request and advance payment by any party who contests the initial test.
• Genetic test results indicating a 99% or greater probability that the alleged father is the father of the child shall create a presumption of paternity which may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the results of the genetic tests are not reliable in that particular case.
• To ensure the integrity of the specimen and that the proper chain of custody has been maintained, the genetic tests of the biological mother, the child or children in question and the alleged father should be conducted by an established genetic-testing laboratory in the course of its regularly conducted business activity, and certified records should be issued. The certified records shall be admissible into evidence without further foundation, authentication or proof of accuracy if no objection is made within ten days prior to trial. The laboratory must be certified by either the American Association of Blood Banks or the American Association for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. The DNA Lady's DNA Tests are all performed by aaBB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, FQS-I and ISO/IEC17025 accredited laboratories. The DNA Lady's insistence on using only accredited laboratories provides you with reliable and accurate DNA tests.
• If the court or domestic relations section orders genetic testing, the domestic relations section shall pay the cost of the test, subject to recoupment from the alleged father if paternity is established. Most court ordered DNA collectors then enter all the information collected at the DNA test, on both married and unmarried parents into a database that is matched against the Automated Child Support Enforcement system. The data is scanned on a weekly basis.
• A determination of paternity made by another state, whether through judicial proceedings, administrative proceedings or by acknowledgment of paternity, shall be given full faith and credit in the courts of this Commonwealth. The DNA Lady can offer you a complete Chain of Custody, Court Admissible and fully accredited DNA test.  If you chose to then take the information to court to pursue child support or child visitation it will then be at your own will and not that of the State.
• A determination of non paternity made by another state with respect to a public assistance recipient shall not be binding upon the Department of Public Welfare unless the defendant shows that the department had actual notice of the proceedings, including the date and time of any trial, and a fair opportunity to participate in all material proceedings through counsel of its own choice.

According to the American Association of Blood Banks, about 30 percent of paternity tests in the US find that the man thought to be the father is not actually the father.

Everyone is worried these days about identity theft; however, if the tenets of GINA are not strictly adhered to, there will be much more personal information lost.

Protecting your DNA, affectionately known as GINA or Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is as important to today's generation as protecting your Social Security number.  If your life can be ruined by an unknown assailant using your social security card to obtain credit and buy that big screen TV or worldwide vacations, then imagine what big government or private industry will do if they have access to your genetic predisposition.

On a good note - so big business and government know you are predisposed to long life and healthy genes - you and your family get lucky and are given jobs, insurance, education, bank financing for homes, vacations etc., you are a good bet because genetically you are predisposed to a long and healthy life.  You will live on the "good gene" street.

On a bad note - your genetic code pops up in some computer as being predisposed to cancer or mental illness or autoimmune diseases  - why would an insurance company offer you long term insurance, why would an employer hire you, or provide a pension or disability insurance, why would a bank finance a loan for your education or your house - you MIGHT be too sick to pay it back.  That is a BIG MIGHT because we are a long way off on solidly predicting through DNA tests what type of diseases you will get and what types of diseases you MAY get.  Yet, the information is valuable to insurance company, employers, doctors, future mates, etc and may affect the quality of your life - without your knowing it.
Here are the tenets of GINA

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA, is U.S. federal legislation with bipartisan support that protects Americans from discrimination (in health insurance and employment decisions) on the basis of genetic information. (*** Let me digress here for a moment -  if government is leaning to a one payor system and they have access to your genetic predisposition - how much coverage do you think you will be able to obtain? )

GINA has passed through Congress and was signed into law by the President on May 21, 2008. As a result, American insurance companies and health plans (including both group and individual insurers, as well as federally-regulated plans) will be prohibited from:

• looking at your predictive genetic information or genetic services before you enroll
• requesting or requiring that you or your family members take a genetic test
• restricting enrollment based on genetic information
• changing your premiums based on genetic information

GINA also prohibits U.S. employers (including employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs) from:

• discriminating against who they hire or how much they pay on the basis of genetic information
• requesting or requiring that you or your family members take a genetic test
• disclosing your genetic information in their possession except under specific and specially controlled circumstances.

The bottom line is, protect your personal genetic information.  "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  Remember Social Security numbers were only supposed to provide you with access to the Social Security Fund.  Today, you can't do anything without a Social Security Number, even if by the time you retire the Social Security Fund is deplete.  Do not allow States to take your DNA, better to save your dollars and have a private DNA test taken at a private DNA facility whose only goal is to confirm biological relationships, not geneticaly predictive diagnostic information.  Most private DNA collectors will work with you on payment options.
There is a whole generation running to the local family courts because state funded DNA Paternity Tests are widely used to confirm paternity and obtain child support.  Next time, take a look at what you are signing - does it provide you with confidentiality on the report?  Does it state that your DNA is being collected only as a means to confirm paternity?  What happens with the DNA once the lab and/or collector have provided you with the Probability of Paternity. The simple Paternity via DNA test that you submit to today, may have long reaching affects on your children.

We have all heard the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child",
and when the village is small and one parent is missing the task
becomes even more challenging. Fortunately, being proactive and
understanding your rights as a parent will help alleviate any issues
that might arise as you take on the role of single parent. Every child
has the right to a parent-child relationship with both parents, and
all three deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in the
relationship.

Establishing Paternity
Every child has the right to know both parents and have the
father's name appear on the birth certificate. Voluntarily
establishing paternity is not expensive and does not have to involve
an attorney or attorney fees. Both parents may contact the State
Department/Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Central
Paternity Registry, or the Department of Community Health and request
an Affidavit of Paternity. There may be a small fee for filing this document but it will ensure legal paternity is established.  

If the father inquestion has any doubt that the child is biologically related, a simple, non-invasive DNA test can be performed privately or by the State.   The benefits of a private DNA test are speed of results, ease in appointment setting and overall privacy in a very sensitive matter. 

Paternity Testing
Paternity testing is a series of genetic tests used to indicate the
likelihood that a man is, or is not the biological father of a child.
The most common method used today is DNA testing which are 99.9
percent accurate in determining that a man is not the father. The
child can be tested at any age, and the DNA test is obtained by
rubbing a cotton tipped swab on the inside of the check or DNA can be
extracted from blood or other tissues.  Pre-Natal Paternity tests are

also available today.  Participants should understand the risk of

Amniocentesis or CVS to the mother and baby, before undergoing

such test for the purposes of establishing paternity only. 

Laboratories performing paternity test should be accredited by the

American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

Financial Security
The law requires both parents support their children. This is true
even if the pregnancy is unplanned. Children supported by one parent
often do not have enough money for their needs. A child support order
cannot be established if paternity is not proven.   In the State of New

Jersey, child support payments are not refunded if a man has been named

as father and later establishes that he is not the father.  Another reason, why a man with any doubt about the paternity of the child, should have a DNA test to confirm Paternity.

Survivor & other Benefits
Medical and dental insurance may be available through the non-
custodial parent's employer, union, or military service. In addition, many

employers offer scholarship programs for children of employees. Medical
assistance programs may be available through the local and/or state
family/child assistance agencies. Later on in the child's life, when applying

for financial aid for college, the role of both biological parents must be proven

in order for the child to receive financial aid.  How harmful will it be for a child

to have to focus on locating a biological parent at a time when the focus should be on college preparation. If something should happen to either
parent, the child could qualify for Social Security, pensions,
inheritance rights, veterans' benefits and life insurance. Paternity
must be established to receive these benefits.

Keep Track of Child Support Information
It is imperative that both parents, (the custodial and non-custodial) keep track of parent information, parenting time,
(visitations), receipt of child support payments, court ordered or
not, names of child support workers, attorney contacts, names of
judges/referees, docket/court numbers etc. concerning the child
support case. Remember to keep this information in a secure location
and let someone you trust know where this information can be found in
the event of an emergency.

As the local DNA collector in New Jersey, I meet so many people during the year, from so many walks of life.  We all have a need, at some point, to confirm knowledge of ourselves and our family, whether it is through a DNA test or through private soul searching.  Most times I do a DNA test, deliver the results and that is the end of my interaction with a customer.
I often wonder - did that new young dad take up his responsibility or was that lady able to create a relationship with her newly confirmed father?  I always hope that having peace of mind through a DNA test, helps families to strengthen their bonds and move on to bigger and better things in life.  I believe that we all have good days ahead of us - that hope and faith are powerful tools in our lives.  You have to use these tools everyday to make them work and seem real.

There are always a handful of customers, who for whatever reason, we feel a stronger connection.  Perhaps they were able to share their stories with me in such a way that I feel part of the solution.  Perhaps they called me months later and told me how things have worked out for them, whether it was through a regular Paternity test, or through a DNA test for purposes of immigration and now have their family reunited here.  Those customers continue to send me cards of thanks and baskets of encouragement.  I am sincere in my efforts to help them resolve questions in their life through the use of today's most up to date human identification technology - the DNA test

One such customer sent a wonderful basket of chocolates and cookies and proclaimed - THE JUDGE RULED IN OUR FAVOR.  What better Christmas gift then to know that a mother was so pleased with our tests and my extra efforts on her behalf that she remembered me at Christmas - months after her case was over.  Everyone now knows that her son is who she says he is - she is triumphant and her son gains an extended family.  I pray that the extended family will open their hearts to this little boy.
Another gentleman, who perhaps didn't get the results he wanted from our tests, but nevertheless, now knows that he has more searching to do - sent me the below list of Christmas greetings in over 50 different languages and from various regions of the world - but all carrying the same message - Joy, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity.  You see no matter where you are from or where you are going - we all want the same thing for each other - it just takes a holiday to remind us.

• Gëzuar Krishtlindjen dhe Vitin e Ri - Albanian, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
• MÄ«lÄ?d MajÄ«d ميلاد مجيد - Arabic for "Merry Christmas" as used in Lebanon and several other countries
• Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand Eastern Armenian
• "Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Soorp Dzuhnoont" Western Armenian
• Zorionak eta Urte Berri On! Basque for Merry Christmas
• Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat in Breton
• Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo in Bulgarian
• Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou! in Catalan
• Bon Nadal - Catalan for Happy Christmas
• Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth Happy Christmas and Happy New Year in Cornish
• Sretan Božić - Croatian for Happy Christmas
• Veselé Vánoce a šÅ¥astný nový rok - Czech language, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
• Glædelig jul - Danish
• God jul - Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, lit. "Good Yule"
• Gleðilig Jól og gott Nýggjár - Faroese - Merry Christmas and happy New Year
• Vrolijk Kerstfeest or Zalig Kerstfeest with en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar - Dutch, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
• Gajan Kristnaskon "Merry Christmas" in Esperanto
• Häid jõule - Estonian
• Maligayang Pasko - Filipino word, a Common Christmas Greeting in the Philippines which was Merry Christmas in English Translation.
• Hyvää joulua - Finnish
• Joyeux Noël - French for "Happy Christmas" used in France, French Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Louisiana, Switzerland, the Lebanon and Francophone Africa
• Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier! in Frisian
• Frohe Weihnachten/Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches/gutes Neues Jahr - German for Merry Christmas/Merry Christmas and a Happy/Good New Year
• Καλά ΧριστοÏ?γεννα (Kala Christougenna) - Greek for Merry Christmas, also used in non-Greek many Eastern Orthodox nations, as the first Christian masses were celebrated in Greek.
• Mele Kalikimaka - Hawaiian
• Boldog karácsonyt/Kellemes karácsonyi ünnepeket : Merry Christmas/Pleasant Christmas Holidays in Hungarian
• Selamat Natal: "Christmas best wishes" Indonesian
• Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah in Iraq
• Nollaig Shona Duit - Ireland, (Irish Language), Gaeilge, lit. "You have a happy Christmas".
• Buon Natale - Italian for Happy Christmas
• Natale hilare et Annum Faustum! in Latin
• Linksmų Šv. KalÄ—dų ir Laimingų Naujųjų Metų - Lithuanian "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
• Schèine Chreschtdaag an e gudde Rutsch in Luxembourg dialect
• Среќен Божиќ, (Sreḱen Božiḱ) - Macedonian for Happy Christmas
• Il-Milied u s-Sena t-Tajba - Malta - "Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year"
• Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa in Manx Gallic
• Meri Kirihimete in Maori
• کریسمس مبارک - Persian "Merry Christmas"
• WesoÅ‚ych ÅšwiÄ…t Bożego Narodzenia in Polish
• Feliz Natal in Portuguese
• Crăciun Fericit! Romanian for Merry Christmas
• S'Rozhdestvóm Khristóvym! (С РождеÑ?твом ХриÑ?товым!) or, more commonly, simply С РождеÑ?твом (S Rozhdestvóm!) for the informal Christmas greeting, while the traditional religious greeting is Khristós rozhdáyetsya! (ХриÑ?тоÑ? рождаетÑ?Ñ?, meaning "Christ is born!") and the traditional response is Slávite! (Cлавите!, meaning "Let us glorify him!"); С Ð?овым годом! ( S Nóvym gódom!) - Happy New Year! in Russian.
• Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar in Low Saxon
• Nollaig chridheil huibh in Scottish Gaelic
• "ХриÑ?тоÑ? Ñ?е роди!" answer: "ВоиÑ?тину Ñ?е роди!" or: "Srećan Božić" (Serbian) "Merry Christmas" also Hristos se rodi.
• Veselé Vianoce a ŠÅ¥astný Nový rok - Slovak language, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
• Vesele BožiÄ?ne Pražnike SreÄ?no Novo Leto or Vesel BožiÄ? in sreÄ?no Novo leto in Slovene
• Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo - Spanish lit. "Happy Nativity and prosperous New Year"
• God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År in Sweden
• Sawadee Pee Mai or Souksan wan Christmas in Thai
• Mutlu Noeller - Turkish - "Happy Christmas"
• З Різдвом ХриÑ?товим (Z Rizdvom Khrystovym) or, when meeting in person, ХриÑ?тоÑ? народивÑ?Ñ?! - Славімо Його! ("Khrystos narodyvsya! - Slavimo yoho!", lit. "Christ was born! - Praise be with Him!") in Ukrainian.
• Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - Wales (by Welsh speakers), "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year"
• Boldog karácsonyt! in Hungary
• è?–誕節快樂 / 圣诞节快ä¹? (Shèngdànjié kuàilè) - Merry Christmas!, 新年快樂 / æ–°å¹´å¿«ä¹? (XÄ«nnián kuàilè) - Happy New Year! in Chinese
• メリークリスマス (Meri Kurisumasu) - Merry Christmas!, よã?„ã?Šå¹´ã‚’ (Yoi o-toshi-o) (before), 明ã?‘ã?¾ã?—ã?¦ã?Šã‚?ã?§ã?¨ã?† (after) - Happy New Year! in Japanese

I even received my very first Happy Kwanzaa card this year.  I am flattered to be a part of someone else's celebration of  "Royal Greetings".  I once thought that I worked in a global environment, but it wasn't until I started offering private DNA testing that I truly began to learn how universal it is for a mom will fight for her child, how a dad will work for his family and although we are all different people, we are truly alike. We want a family, we want safety and we want to be together. 

No matter how you celebrate this season and no matter who you celebrate it with - make it a good one, make it special for someone else - it comes back to you twofold.

Puerto Rico's New Birth Certificate Law (Law 191 of 2009)

The government of Puerto Rico has enacted a new law (Law 191 of 2009) aimed at strengthening the issuance and usage of birth certificates to combat fraud and protect the identity and credit of all people born in Puerto Rico. 

The new law was based on collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to address the fraudulent use of Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates to unlawfully obtain U.S. passports, Social Security benefits, and other federal services. 

Under the new law, all Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, will be invalidated so that new, more secure certificates can be issued. Until that date, all birth certificates will remain valid.  If you are required to undergo a DNA test to confirm a biological relationship, ie, paternity, maternity, siblingship or grand paternity, call your local DNA Lady to coordinate the collection in the continental USA and in Puerto Rico.

It is important to understand that there is no need to rush out and get a new birth certificate on July 1.  It is suggested that only people who have a specific need for their birth certificate for official purposes need request a new birth certificate right away.

Those Puerto Rican-born living in the states will be able to request and receive their new birth certificates through a simple process by mail.  The fee is $5, but will be waived for people over 60 and for veterans.

For additional information on the new law, please visit the links below.

Birth Certificate Law Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions

Text of New Birth Certificate Law

Birth Certificate Application  *Please note: the new, more secure birth certificates will be available on or after July 1, 2010.

Puerto Rican Birth Certificates

Here is a quick guide on how to obtain your official records from Puerto Rico:

You may need your official Puerto Rican documents to apply for U.S. Social Security, U.S. Military Survivor benefits, Health Insurance, or maybe even Inheritance Benefits.  If you were married, born and had a family member pass away in Puerto Rico on or after July 1931, then you can obtain an official document by sending a money order to the below address.  Please phone for current fees and other paperwork you may need to supply: 

Address:
Department of Health
Demographic Registry
P.O. Box 11854
Fernandez Juncos Station
San Juan, PR 00910
Phone: (787) 728-7980

Remarks: Money order should be made payable to Secretary of the Treasury. Personal checks are not accepted. Call to verify current fees. All applications must be accompanied by a photocopy of an identification card with picture.  Example: Driver's license or Passport (not expired).

State contracted DNA paternity tests are not a priority for the contracted laboratories and so problems and errors occur more frequently.  Many States contract with private laboratories at much discounted prices to obtain paternity tests.  The result is a much extended turnaround time for the results and as the below excerpt will attest to (and a previous article submitted on www.dnalady.com blog) - too often errors happen.

As a parent, do you want someone else receiving your child's DNA test results?  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's website indicates that every parent should have a copy of their child's DNA for emergency purposes but the site clearly states that only parents should maintain a copy of their child's DNA.  We do not know what the future use of DNA will be; much the same way; our grandparents didn't know how Social Security Numbers were going to be a means to identification, credit and finance processing, healthcare and medicare benefits etc..  You can't get a Chain of Custody DNA test taken today without your Social Security Number. 

When Social Security Numbers were created the sole purpose was a means to identify an individuals' contribution to the Social Security System while in the workforce.  From that figure, the government would determine your retirement benefit which would begin at age 65.  Well the baby boomers know that age 65 for retirement is no longer a fact.  We're told that to receive our total benefit we have to work until age 66 and 9 months or so....and that's the figure today in 2009.

However, today, every child is issued a Social Security number as a means of their first form of identification.  On the day you are born, you are entered into a nationwide system of identification.  Who is to say that these state held DNA records won't be used as a means for healthcare benefits eligibility, credit scores to obtain financing for homes, businesses or education or to identify an individual's job qualifications in the future.  Are we putting our children at risk for having the State's perform DNA collections?  DNA records are very personal and should never be held by anyone other than a parent, legal guardian or family member. 

We do not know what the future holds for DNA and for those with the means, a private DNA testing facility should always be used for Paternity and other family relationships tests where DNA is collected and analyzed.  A privately held DNA testing facility also needs to maintain a standard qualifications including but not limited to AABB, CAP, CLIA, ASCLD and other nationally known accrediting institutions.  Today, DNA paternity tests are not that expensive (considering the alternative) and facilities are popping up all over the United States that offering properly accredited, community based, and confidential testing. 

EXCERPT FROM A NEWS CHANNEL 7 ONYOURSIDE

 "I have my cover letter that they sent me with my information on it," said Left Blank for Confidentiality.

At first everything looked just fine when Let Blank for Confidentiality opened her paternity tests results from the South Carolina Department of Social Services. But as she turned the pages she realized the information she received wasn't hers. It was for another man, another woman, and a child she didn't know.

"It's just infuriating," said Left Blank for Confidentiality. "I was just so angry. I was like 'This isn't mine!' "

Left Blank for Confidentiality said she had access to personal information no one would want in a stranger's hands.

"I've got social (security numbers), I've got driver's license numbers, I've got addresses, I've even got pictures of what they look like," said Left Blank for Confidentiality. "This is their information. They don't know me they don't know who I am and here I am I've got everything."

Left Blank for Confidentiality said she went to a local DSS office for help.

"She was like, 'I apologize we just had a mistake. Your cover letter got on theirs and their cover letter got on yours and that was the mixup and this never happens'," said Left Blank for Confidentiality. "Apparently it does."

DSS spokesperson admitted it was a mistake. But she insisted private information did not go out to the other family. DSS also said they would be appointing someone to double check each mailing before it went out. But Left Blank for Confidentiality said the problems are continuing.

"Yes, it's still happening," said Left Blank for Confidentiality. "She called me yesterday and told me it looked like some more information got sent out to me that wasn't mine."

So we wrote to DSS again and the Director of the DSS Child Support Enforcement Division  issued this statement:

"In following up on the original incident we discovered that a notice of a court hearing from another case had been sent to Ms. Left Blank for Confidentiality by mistake. A member of our staff visited Ms. Left Blank for Confidentiality to tell her of the error.  This mistake was a result of human error and we are addressing that internally.  We truly regret this happened."

It's the kind of problem Left Blank for Confidentiality said could have been prevented.   

"That's just a mistake that cannot happen," said Left Blank for Confidentiality.

DSS told us they believe this mistake is a rare occurrence. If problems continue you can be sure 7 On Your Side will make sure it is addressed.

END OF EXCERPT

If you have questions or comments about this site or DNA tests in general send us a comment below.