DNA Test - Tacoma, WA
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Tacoma, Washington at 4 testing laboratories. Call (253) 201-5904 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 - Tacoma, Washington
Types of DNA Tests at our Tacoma, Washington 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma WA
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Tacoma 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 Tacoma, plus many more locations throughout Washington and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Tacoma. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Tacoma , WA 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
A Decade Plus of Experience
Health Street has provided DNA tests since 2010. The first DNA test we performed in Tacoma, WA was in 2017.
Dedicated to Excellence
We are proud to help families and individuals get DNA testing in Tacoma.
Tacoma, Washington - DNA Testing
Establishing Paternity in Tacoma, WA
When a Tacoma child is born to two unmarried parents, only the mother will obtain parental rights over the child at the time of birth. In order for the father to receive his parental rights, the state of Washington must be able to legally recognize him through written proof of paternity establishment.
To establish paternity in Tacoma, both parents can complete an Acknowledgment of Paternity at the hospital following a child's birth or through a Pierce County Family Support Division Office. This form is used to legally declare a child's paternity and must only be used if there is full confidence in a child's correct paternity or if DNA testing has been used to confirm the biological father. Failing to do so could later result in significant legal troubles if paternity disestablishment needs to take place.
Disestablishing Paternity in Tacoma, WA
In certain unfortunate situations, a previously presumed Tacoma father may discover that he is actually not the child's biological father. Due to the legal bond of a paternity establishment, the Tacoma man may still be held responsible for any legal child support obligations, regardless of him knowing that he is not the biological father; this highlights the importance of DNA testing.
In the state of Washington, a parent can withdraw a paternity acknowledgment within 60 days of filing the paternity establishment. After this deadline expires, the previously presumed father will need to challenge the paternity acknowledgment in court within four years of filing. Proof of fraud, duress, or material mistake alongside current DNA testing results is often requested to support the request for paternity disestablishment.
Experts in Tacoma, WA Say…
After two Tacoma parents have used DNA testing to accurately determine a child's father and have completed the paternity establishment process, they may also need to establish a legal custody agreement. According to Tacoma family law attorney Sands McKinley, a residential schedule and other parental rights and responsibilities are typically addressed in a court order.
Such a court order is called a "parenting plan" under Washington state law. During this process, a Tacoma Family Court will often assess both parental parties using factors such as current child-parent relationships, criminal history, and substance abuse history to create a parenting plan that works in the best interests of the child.
Last updated 8/30/2022
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