DNA Requests

Request for specimen for DNA - paternity testing

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner does store DNA in our office. If you need DNA testing done, here is a generalized checklist for guidance. For additional questions or information, contact the Self-Help Desk for Denver Probate Courts at DPCSelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us or 303-606-2502.

1. Contact our office at 720-337-7600 or email medcomments@denvergov.org to confirm we do have DNA on the person in question.
2. Once you have confirmed we have the DNA, you will need to prepare a motion which will be filed with Probate Court. (This motion must be filed in the state of Colorado.)
   • If you are working with Human Services, please ask for their help in this process.
   • If you do not have assistance, you can print a blank motion and fill it out yourself. The form you will need is called a JDF 724. Be as detailed in this form as you can be. The court order must command the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner to release a DNA blood spot card sample directly to the lab of your choice.
3. Once you have filled out your JDF 724 form, you must serve the Medical Examiner’s Office with a copy. You can do this in person, by first-class mail, by certified mail, or fax. (720-337-7609 – Attention: Manager of Operations)
4. After you have served the Medical Examiner’s Office with a copy, you will need to file the motion with probate court.
5. There is no cost to file this motion with the courts. 
6. Unless you have an attorney, it must be filed by mail or in person. The address for Denver Probate Court is 1437 Bannock St Room 230, Denver, CO 80202. They are open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
7. You will not need an ID for this process.
8. Once your motion has been filed, it will be reviewed by a judge. The judge will make the final determination on whether you are entitled to the DNA.
9. It could take up to a month or more to get the court ruling.
   • If you need an expedited order, please contact the Self-Help Probate Court line.
10. Once you have a ruling from the court commanding us to provide you with a DNA blood spot card, the lab you choose will need to send the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner the signed court order, collection kit, chain of custody kit, FedEx tracking sticker, and evidence seals. Once those are received, the DNA card will be promptly sent to the lab for testing.
11. Denver Office of the Medical Examiner will not pay for supplies, mailing, DNA testing or any fees associated with obtaining a court order or lab services.