new-york-state family-law
Can a &quot;legal&quot; type DNA test be conducted in the state of Ney York without a court order?
<p>Suppose two people who are over 18 wish to do a &quot;legal&quot; type DNA test to prove they are related, and one of them resides in New York, and the other one resides somewhere else in the United States.</p>
<p>Can those private individuals do such a test without a court order?</p>

<p>Yes. Private DNA testing is generally available and lawful throughout the United States.</p>
<p>New York has unique laws surrounding the conditions under which testing may be performed, though. There are several hoops to jump through if you do this in New York -- using a licensed testing agency, obtaining approval from an agent, etc.</p>
<p>Getting an order from a court is one way to satisfy the agent-authorization requirement, but you can also get an authorization from your lawyer or doctor. What the point of this is, I don't know, but it's the law.</p>
<p>If you want to avail yourself of this option, just call a nearby testing facility and they'll walk you through the process.</p>
<p>If you don't, just drive to another state and pick up a test from a drug store.</p>
