Coroner Paternity DNA Testing — Paternity After Death

When the alleged father has passed away, coroner paternity testing offers a way to establish biological parentage using samples on file with the Medical Examiner's Office or Coroner. Sometimes the coroner may have other DNA samples on file that can also be used for testing, such as hair, tissue, or buccal (cheek) samples.

We strongly recommend scheduling the test as soon as possible after the deceased passes away. Coroners typically keep blood spot samples on file for only 1–2 years. Once the blood sample is destroyed, it becomes very difficult to conduct a DNA test. However, when the deceased was involved in a homicide, samples are kept on file indefinitely.

Requirements for coroner paternity testing: You need permission from the deceased's legally designated next of kin — this includes a spouse, adult children, parents, or adult siblings. A court order is required when next of kin is unavailable or refuses to provide consent. All parties being tested must be present in person on the day of testing with a government-issued photo ID.

If the coroner does not have a blood spot sample on file, alternative testing options may be available. If both parents of the deceased are available, it may be possible to establish paternity through a dual grandparentage test. If only one parent is available, a single grandparent or full sibling test can be conducted.

Coroner paternity test results are just as accurate and reliable as a regular paternity test — providing precise results that conclusively prove whether or not the deceased is the father of the child being tested. Results are court-admissible and can be used for any legal purpose.

Coroner DNA Testing FAQs