Individuals planning their estate may consider a DNA test to confirm any doubtful biological relationships between themselves and their children, grandchildren and other next of kin (e.g., nieces and/or nephews). In cases where a will was not clearly defined or established, DNA test results will become a major determinant for deciding who is to inherit the estate and/or how it will be divided. By proving familial relationships with the deceased, those who are biologically related will clearly have greater rights to inheritance over others who are not. As the deceased will no longer be available to provide a DNA sample directly, DNA forensic testing or kinship testing is most often used in such circumstances as evidence.

DNA Forensic testing may include, for example, analyzing a blood and/or a human tissue sample collected by the coroner and/or by a doctor to generate a 16-loci DNA profile for the deceased.