DNA Test - Stafford, VA
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Stafford, Virginia at 2 testing laboratories. Call (540) 409-4471 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 a 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 Test - Stafford, Virginia
Types of DNA Tests at our Stafford, Virginia locations:
The most commonly ordered DNA test is a Paternity Test to conclusively establish whether or not a man is the biological father of a child.
Paternity Testing can be performed at our testing centers. DNA Testing can be done for other close family relationships, such as:
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 people being tested. 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 registering online and shipping the specimens to us.
Legally Admissible DNA Tests vs. "Peace of Mind" At-Home Tests
A Legal Paternity Test is a court admissible DNA testing service. 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. In order for the results of a DNA test to hold up in court, for child support, or to change the name on a birth certificate, the test must be done at a clinic using strict chain of custody procedures. Our Stafford DNA testing technicians are trained to follow guidelines that ensure that the results can be used for legal purposes.
How to schedule a DNA Test in Stafford VA
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Stafford 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. Register online, or please call our customer service team, which can help you book your appointment over the phone.
We have state of the art testing labs and friendly clinics that perform the DNA sample collection in Stafford, plus many more locations throughout Virginia and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Stafford. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Stafford , VA so you can choose the testing center that is most convenient. When you register, you can also pick the appointment time and date that you prefer.
Why Health Street
More than a Decade of Experience
Since 2010, Health Street has offered DNA tests in Stafford, the state of Stafford, Virginia, and throughout the nation. Since our founding, we have focused on helping people obtain the DNA and paternity tests that they need, from Stafford to neighborhoods everywhere.
Commitment to Excellence
Our mission is to understand the DNA testing needs of our clients. We strive to provide the most accurate, fast, and conclusive paternity tests in Stafford.
DNA Local Testing for Stafford, VA
Establishing Paternity in Stafford, VA
If a Stafford couple is married at the time of their child's birth, no steps need to be taken to establish legal paternity. In these situations, Virginia law automatically recognizes the husband as the legal father. If an unmarried couple has a child, both Stafford parents will need to take the necessary steps to establish legal paternity in the state of Virginia. Paternity is a crucial component of a child's wellbeing, as it streamlines health and inheritance benefits as well as opens the opportunity for a parent to seek child support services.
If both parents have full confidence in their child's paternity and are willing to establish paternity, the easiest way to do so is by completing an Acknowledgement of Paternity form. This voluntary form is first presented for completion at the hospital following the child's birth, but it can be completed later at a Stafford County Division Of Child Support location. Since the acknowledgment is a legally binding document, both parents must ensure accurate paternity before moving forward and seek DNA testing if necessary.
Paternity Program in Stafford, VA
In the event that a Stafford man believes he has possibly fathered a child, the state of Virginia offers the Virginia Birth Father Registry to protect their paternal rights. This confidential database collects the information of men who believe they have fathered a child but have no legal rights. If a presumed Stafford father registers with the program within 10 days of the child's birth, he gains the rights to be notified of any legal actions involving the child, including adoption hearings or foster care placement. Likewise, by registering with the program, the presumed father and his family have an increased opportunity of gaining custodial and visitation rights over the child.
Navigating Difficulties Establishing Paternity in Stafford, VA
Following the birth of a child, a Stafford parent may struggle to legally establish paternity in the state of Virginia. Without establishing paternity, an unmarried Stafford father will hold no legal rights over the child, thus allowing the mother to keep the child from him. In such instances where a parent does not agree to establish paternity, the best thing to do is file a paternity petition through the Stafford County Family Court.
By filing a paternity petition, either parent opens the opportunity for the courts to take the necessary legal steps to establish paternity. Typically, a judge will issue a summons to the opposing party requesting that he/she and the child undergo DNA paternity testing. If DNA testing accurately determines who the child's father is, the court can then legally establish paternity and move forward with any child support or custody agreements.
Locations
Some Stafford Neighborhoods That We Serve
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: