Do you need proof of paternity for legal reasons? Health Street's Legal Paternity DNA Test gives you clear, court-admissible results you can trust. Our testing services use a simple cheek swab and follow a strict chain of custody process. This ensures your results are accurate and accepted by courts and government agencies.
Testing is fast and convenient for the alleged father and child. The test results are provided as a written and court-admissible DNA report, which can be used to establish paternity and for any other legal purpose related to paternity.
Our DNA paternity testing uses 21 genetic markers for its comprehensive analysis. The conclusive results provide you with the information and resources you need for court-admissible DNA evidence. Register online or call (888) 378-2499.
Below are the most commonly asked questions about this product in our call center.
A DNA paternity test uses genetic samples to confirm or rule out the biological relationship between father and child. It is often ordered by a lawyer or judge to settle child custody and support cases.
Yes. Health Street's legal paternity tests are legally binding and include a notarized, court-admissible document.
At Health Street, the legal paternity test costs $450. This includes the clinic visit, sample collection, and a court-ready DNA report. We use a 21-marker analysis for conclusive, court-admissible results. Home tests are not legally recognized.
For residents of NY, a doctor's prescription and $45/person lab fee directly to the lab is required.
You usually get your results in about one week. We email you a signed, court-admissible DNA report, and a hard copy will be sent by mail in another week or two.
No, the test is completely painless. It uses a gentle cheek swab, and no blood sample or needles are needed.
No. We use a soft, painless cheek swab to collect buccal cells.
Health Street has thousands of clinics across the United States. You can schedule your test online or by phone. In some areas, we offer home or hospital visits for an extra fee.
Yes. If one party has already paid, the remaining party may not need to pay again. Payment status is confirmed at the time of scheduling.
You can reschedule your appointment as long as you contact us in advance. Your payment or down payment will transfer to the new appointment date.
A legal paternity test is a DNA test that proves if a man is the biological father of a child. This test is different from a home DNA paternity test. A legal test must follow special rules, called the chain of custody. This means every step, from collecting the DNA to testing it in the lab, is carefully recorded. This process prevents tampering and makes sure the results are valid in court.
Health Street only works with AABB-accredited labs to give you the answers you need, with results you can trust in court. Our strict chain of custody process protects your rights and ensures your results are legally valid.
Although it is possible to purchase at-home testing kits, they are not considered to be court-admissible DNA tests for legal purposes. Only a legal DNA paternity test from a certified lab can be used in court.
Why might you need one? A legal paternity test is required if a woman or man wants to identify a child's biological father, and needs the results for legal purposes, such as to collect child support payments from the other parent. A child born to unmarried parents may need a legal DNA test to have the father's name added to their birth certificate or to receive Social Security survivors benefits upon the father's death. Another reason is so that the rightful father of a child can be notified if the mother places the child up for adoption.
Legal DNA testing is often ordered during a divorce and child custody case by the couple's attorneys, the judge, or one of the divorcing parents. Our DNA paternity testing is done by professional technicians at one of our nationwide clinics. The DNA testing laboratory report is signed by a doctor.
A legal DNA test is required for situations like child custody, child support, immigration, inheritance, and changing a birth certificate. At-home tests are for personal use and do not meet the requirements for legal proceedings. See the chart below for more similarities and differences between the two types of DNA collections.
|
Feature |
Legal Paternity DNA Test |
Home DNA Paternity Test |
|---|---|---|
|
Chain of custody |
Yes |
No |
|
Court-admissible |
Yes |
No |
|
Sample collection |
At clinic by professional |
At home by individual |
|
AABB accreditation |
Yes |
Not required |
|
Intended use |
Legal matters (custody, support) |
Personal knowledge only |
|
Accuracy |
99.9% or higher |
99.9% or higher |
The chain of custody is the backbone of any legal DNA test. It tracks your sample from the moment it is collected until the results are ready. Here's how it works:
This process protects your rights and ensures no one can question your results in court.
Getting started is easy. Simply follow the steps below.
Get the answers you need with Health Street's Legal Paternity DNA Test. Our strict chain of custody process, partnerships with AABB-accredited labs, and focus on accurate, reliable results make us the trusted choice for legal DNA testing across the United States. Schedule your test today and get peace of mind for you and your family.
If you'd like to see a comprehensive list of all DNA tests that Health Street offers, you can view all DNA tests here. Below are some of the related DNA tests that we offer: