DNA Test - Fort Smith, AR
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Fort Smith, Arkansas at 3 testing laboratories. Call (479) 226-8325 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 - Fort Smith, Arkansas
Types of DNA Tests at our Fort Smith, Arkansas 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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith AR
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith, plus many more locations throughout Arkansas and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Fort Smith. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Fort Smith , AR 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
Over a Decade of Experience
Health Street has been performing DNA testing nationally since 2010. The first DNA test in Fort Smith, AR performed by Health Street was in 2015.
Dedication to Excellence
Our dedication to excellence includes our commitment to provide compassionate services and to helping people obtain the accurate DNA testing in Fort Smith that they need.
Fort Smith, Arkansas - DNA Testing
Establishing paternity in Fort Smith, Arkansas
In Fort Smith, the husband is automatically considered the legal father of a child if the wife gives birth while they are married. However, unmarried parents must establish paternity for the child to have a legal father. The easiest way for unmarried parents to establish paternity in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP). After the VAP is filed with the Division of Vital Records, the man can become the legal father. Since this is a legally binding document, it is crucial only to sign if both parties agree on paternity.
Sometimes parents disagree about paternity or are unsure about who the biological father is. Either of them can start a paternity action, and the court will establish paternity. Usually, the judge asks the alleged father and the child to undergo a DNA test, which is a reliable method of proving paternity. After the court receives the DNA test results, the judge can consider this evidence in the paternity decision. If legal paternity is established, then the judge can also determine custody, visitation rights, and child support. Note that Arkansas law states that the test must show at least a 95 percent likelihood that the man is the biological father.
Fort Smith, Arkansas: Benefits of establishing paternity
Without establishing paternity, the father has no rights or responsibilities toward the child. This means the father does not have any rights to see the child and does not legally have custody of the child. He also is not legally required to pay child support. After legal paternity is established, the father can be entitled to time with the child, have a better opportunity to bond emotionally, and participate in decisions about the child's education, health, or religious upbringing. Depending on the situation, he may also be required to pay child support.
The child can also gain multiple benefits, some of which can include:
In the case of rape, Arkansas law state that the father's parental rights are terminated upon the conviction, but he is still obligated to pay child support.
Last updated 1/6/2023
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Fort Smith, Arkansas
4300 Rogers Avenue Suite 47 Fort Smith, AR 72903Neighborhoods In and Around Fort Smith That We Serve
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: