DNA Test - Joplin, MO
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Joplin, Missouri at 2 testing laboratories. Call (417) 200-4244 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 - Joplin, Missouri
Types of DNA Tests at our Joplin, Missouri 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 Joplin 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 Joplin MO
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Joplin 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 Joplin, plus many more locations throughout Missouri and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Joplin. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Joplin , MO 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 Joplin, MO performed by Health Street was in 2018.
Dedication to Excellence
Our dedication to excellence includes our commitment to provide compassionate services and to helping people obtain the accurate DNA testing in Joplin that they need.
Joplin, MO - DNA Testing
Importance of Establishing Paternity in Joplin, MO
Under Missouri state law, when a Joplin child is born to two unmarried parents, both the mother and biological father will need to legally establish paternity if the father wishes to gain parental rights or if either parent wishes to seek monthly child support services. The legal establishment of paternity is also necessary for a Joplin child to collect benefits from their biological father, including inheritance, social security, and medical insurance coverage.
The Joplin paternity establishment process is relatively simple and can be completed by signing an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity at the hospital following the child's birth. Note that this process is completely voluntary and there can be risks when establishing paternity without the use of DNA testing. To avoid complications later on, it's essential to use DNA testing services first to verify the biological father of a child and establish paternity with full accuracy.
Assistance Establishing Paternity in Joplin, MO
Not always will the legal establishment of paternity be as simple as signing a form. If either parent denies the paternity of a child and refuses to establish paternity using an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity, a father will be unable to obtain parental rights and seek custody or visitation. Likewise, neither parent will be able to seek monthly child support assistance without a legally declared father.
To complete a required paternity establishment, a Joplin parent will instead need to seek assistance through the Jasper County Family Court and file a petition to establish paternity. A court-ordered paternity establishment will likely include a request for DNA testing to verify the given paternity claim first. Once the courts can legally identify a child's biological father, paternity can be established along with any necessary child support or custody agreements.
Paternity Programs in Joplin, MO
In cases where a Joplin father cannot locate the mother of his child or if the mother refuses to establish paternity, the state of Missouri offers a Putative Father Registry to help protect his parental rights. While this is not a method of establishing paternity, registering with the state database shows that a Joplin father is officially claiming to be the presumed father of a child.
Joplin fathers must register with the Putative Father Registry before the child's birth or within 15 days of the child's birth to retain certain rights under this program. These rights include receiving notice of any adoption proceeding involving the child, where potential Joplin fathers may have the ability to withhold consent and potentially seek custody themselves.
Last updated 12/19/2023
Locations
Neighborhoods Served in Joplin
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: