DNA Test - Galveston, TX
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Galveston, Texas at our centrally located testing laboratory. Call (281) 612-6516 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 - Galveston, Texas
Types of DNA Tests at our Galveston, Texas 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 Galveston 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 Galveston TX
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Galveston 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 Galveston, plus many more locations throughout Texas and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Galveston. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Galveston , TX 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. We have helped thousands of people from Galveston to communities all across the USA get DNA tests and paternity tests.
Dedication to Excellence
Our dedication to excellence includes our commitment to provide compassionate services and to helping people obtain the accurate DNA testing in Galveston that they need.
Galveston, TX - DNA Testing
Resources for Galveston Residents Navigating Paternity Issues
If issues relating to child support arise, Galveston parents have local resources that can help them to navigate legal processes. The La Marque Child Support & Social Service Office, which is located in nearby Sante Fe, Texas, can answer questions regarding child support filing and support services, paternity tests and child support enforcement. This government agency oversees child support issues for Galveston County residents. If a paternity case goes to court, it will be heard by the Family Section of the Galveston County District Court. This legal body manages child support and child custody cases, in addition to adoption cases and divorces.
Proving Paternity for Child Custody Purposes in Galveston, TX
In Galveston, TX, if a child is born to married parents, the husband is automatically the child's legal father. However, if a child is born out of wedlock, Galveston parents must establish paternity for the child to have a legal father. Parents can establish paternity voluntarily as long as both parents agree to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. But if either parent questions paternity, they can take a DNA test to determine the child's biological father before completing the voluntary acknowledgment form. If the mother and alleged father cannot agree to establish paternity voluntarily, they'll go to court, and the judge will likely order a DNA test.
Experts Say...
Galveston County paternity attorney Daniel R. Bacalis, P.C. states the importance of the parent-child relationship, and why it's essential to establish paternity, especially if the parents are not married. He says, "If one or both parents are unwilling to voluntarily acknowledge paternity, or if either party is uncertain about the identity of a child's biological father, the mother, the presumed father, the alleged biological father, or other parties may file a petition to adjudicate paternity in family court." The judge will typically order DNA tests to confirm that the man is the biological father. Lori Elaine Laird, an attorney that serves Galveston, TX, explains the importance of establishing paternity. She said that establishing paternity allows the parents to receive visitation, custody, and child support orders. "The father may be able to provide health insurance or other benefits for the child once paternity is established," Laird added. "The child may be able to receive money through a government program. In many cases, the child may be eligible for Social Security, veteran's benefits, health care, or other government benefits."
Last updated 4/22/2023
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Galveston, Texas
1810 23rd Street Galveston, TX 77550Neighborhoods in Galveston Served by our Clinics
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: