DNA Test - Athens, GA
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Athens, Georgia at 2 testing laboratories. Call (706) 204-3837 or schedule online. We offer legal paternity tests, sibling studies, grandparent DNA tests, avuncular (aunt or uncle) testing, and postmortem DNA testing to determine if people are biologically related.
Set up DNA testing appointments online. Test results can be used in court for child support or to change a birth certificate; it can also be used for simple peace of mind. Appointments can be scheduled together or separately. Legal DNA tests are done by cheek swab at our testing centers. We can also extract DNA samples from hair follicles, fingernails, and other specimens.
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DNA Testing Athens GA
Types of DNA Tests at our Athens GA clinics:
Paternity Testing can conclusively establish whether or not a man is the biological father of a child.
Relationship Testing for other close family relationships can be performed at our testing centers. Our DNA testing services can confirm or deny biological relationships between grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, half-siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews:
Specimens we can test for DNA
The easiest and most reliable way to obtain a DNA sample for paternity testing is to swab the inner cheeks of the alleged father and child or children. These skin cells are known as buccal cells, and they rub off easily onto cotton swabs and remain in place for analysis by our laboratory.
Other specimen samples, such as hair follicles, fingernails, and garments that might contain someone's DNA, can also be tested. An Alternative Specimen DNA Test is done by ordering one of our testing kits online and shipping the specimens back to us.
Legal DNA Tests vs. "Peace of Mind" At-Home Tests
A Legal Paternity Test is a court admissible lab testing service performed at an AABB accredited laboratory. Accurate results for DNA paternity testing with 99.99% confidence or greater take about a week.
When deciding which type of DNA test is right for you, consider first what you might do with the results. A legal paternity DNA test will hold up in court for such matters as child support or to change the name on a birth certificate. This test must be performed using strict chain of custody procedures. Our Athens DNA testing technicians are trained to follow these guidelines so that the results will be legally admissible.
How to schedule a DNA Test in Athens GA
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Athens clinics is simple and fast, and we often have appointments available in the same week. It's always helpful to schedule in advance to make sure you get the time you want. Please call our customer service team to help you book your appointment over the phone, or set up your appointment easily online.
We have state of the art testing labs and friendly clinics that perform the DNA sample collection in Athens, plus many more locations throughout Georgia and across the United States. During registration, we'll show you the nearest locations so you can choose the one that's most convenient. You'll pick the times and days that you prefer.
Why Health Street
A Decade Plus of Experience
Health Street has provided DNA tests since 2010. The first DNA test we performed in Athens, GA was in 2017.Since then, we have done 28 DNA tests at our Athens facilities.
Commitment to Community
Health Street is dedicated to serving the community and helping people find a location for DNA testing in Athens, Georgia.Athens, Georgia - DNA Testing
How to Establish Paternity in Athens, GA
Establishing paternity is a highly beneficial process that is used to legally declare a child's biological father and grant the man his paternal rights and responsibilities. Paternity should only be established if there is full confidence in the child's paternity or if DNA testing services have been used to identify the father. In the state of Georgia, unmarried Athens parents have two ways to legally establish paternity.
The simplest way to establish paternity is by completing a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment at the hospital or through a Clarke County Child Support Services location. When a parent refuses to complete the establishment process using this method, they will instead need to file paternity via court order. Filing a motion to establish paternity in Clarke County Court will allow a judge to request DNA paternity testing to identify the biological father and legally establish paternity.
Laws and Regulations Relating to Paternity in Athens, GA
In an effort to end wrongful paternity claims without the need for legal action, the state of Georgia passed House Bill 568 to create new protections for those being sought out for monthly child support. Under this law, presumed fathers involved in child support cases regarding children who are born out of wedlock cannot be required to submit payments if he has not been biologically confirmed to be the father.
Instead, this new law promotes the upfront use of DNA testing to first confirm a child's biological father before moving forward with child support agreements. This bill also increased the funding used to cover DNA testing services for Athens residents who find themselves in this predicament to streamline both the paternity establishment and child support processes.
Experts in Athens, GA Say…
Following a difficult paternity establishment and child support agreement process, two Athens parents may also seek legal assistance to establish a custody agreement. According to Athens family law attorney Samuel Thomas, in the state of Georgia, judges work to see both parents play a significant role in their child's development and will assess both parent parties when constructing a custody agreement. Factors such as income, housing conditions, and relationship with the child will be considered to construct a custody plan that works in the best interest of the child.
Last updated 10/17/2022
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Athens, Georgia
1000 Hawthorne Avenue Suite D Athens, GA 30606Neighborhoods In and Around Athens That We Serve
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: