Legal Definitions - genetic-marker test

A genetic-marker test is a medical procedure that analyzes DNA in tissue samples to determine the likelihood of paternity or illegitimacy in a child. This test is more precise than blood-grouping tests and is commonly used in paternity cases.

For example, if a woman is unsure who the father of her child is, she can have a genetic-marker test done to determine the probability of paternity for each potential father.

Another example is in cases where child support or custody is being disputed. A genetic-marker test can be used to provide evidence of paternity or lack thereof.