Confirming paternity
Establishing that a child is biologically related to a parent who has passed away.
Post-Mortem DNA Testing
Post-Mortem DNA Testing: We're here to help your family find answers, with care.
Losing someone is hard enough. If questions about family relationships remain, our team will guide you through every step of post-mortem DNA testing quietly, respectfully, and at your pace.
Starting at $849 · Confidential
A gentle word
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Many families come to us during one of the most difficult times of their lives. You may be grieving, handling arrangements, and trying to understand what comes next all at once.
Our role is to take as much of the burden off your shoulders as we can: we coordinate the details, answer your questions honestly, and treat your loved one with dignity throughout the process.
Reasons for testing
Why families choose post-mortem DNA testing
Inheritance and estates
Providing documentation that may be needed when an estate is settled or a will is contested.
Survivor and Social Security benefits
Supporting a child's or family member's eligibility for benefits that depend on a proven relationship.
Birth certificate and legal records
Helping add or correct a parent's name on legal documents.
Family peace of mind
Answering long-held questions so relatives can move forward with clarity.
Medical and family history
Understanding biological connections that may matter for future health decisions.
Every family's situation is different. If you're unsure whether testing is right for you, reach out and we'll talk it through, with no obligation.
Participants and samples
Who needs to be tested
Collection from your loved one is coordinated with the funeral home, medical examiner, or other custodian.
Participating living relatives provide simple cheek swabs.
We review authorization and the best available relatives for your family's situation.
What to expect
How it works
- 1
Reach out
Contact us by phone, text, or the form below. Tell us as much or as little as you know. We'll listen and explain your options.
- 2
We review your situation
We'll confirm who is being tested, whether you need informational or legal (court-admissible) results, and what documentation may be required.
- 3
We coordinate sample collection
We work directly with the funeral home, medical examiner, or other custodian to arrange collection from your loved one, so you don't have to manage those conversations yourself.
- 4
Living relatives are collected
Participating family members provide a simple, painless cheek swab at a scheduled appointment.
- 5
You receive your results
Results are delivered confidentially. We'll walk you through what they mean and answer any questions.
A note on timing
DNA is best collected as soon as possible after a loss. Embalming and time can affect sample quality, and cremation makes collection from remains impossible. If arrangements are still in progress, please contact us early so we can help you understand your options. If collection from your loved one is no longer possible, testing other relatives may still provide answers, and we can talk you through those options.
Testing options
Pricing and timing
Post-Mortem
Starting at $849
Final pricing depends on your case. We'll review it with you before anything begins.
Post-mortem services start at $849. Final pricing depends on your case. We'll review it with you before anything begins.
Appointment preparation
What to bring
For a legal case, each adult should bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
Bring the child's birth certificate or identification when applicable, with a parent or legal guardian present for minors.
Informational testing generally requires less documentation than legal chain-of-custody testing.
Bring any court, agency, or case paperwork connected with the request.
We'll confirm exactly what you need when we schedule.
FAQ
Common questions about post-mortem
Post-Mortem inquiry
Let's talk about your situation.
Share what you can. There's no wrong answer, and you can leave anything blank that you're unsure of except the required fields. A caring member of our team will reach out personally.