Paternity Testing in Mississippi: Legal Court-Admissible & At-Home DNA Tests
Paternity testing plays a crucial role in confirming biological relationships, resolving family disputes, and securing legal rights. Whether you need court-admissible DNA testing or a convenient at-home paternity test for personal peace of mind, GameDay DNA delivers accurate and trusted paternity testing services customized for your needs. This complete guide covers the types of tests available, pricing details, and answers to common questions about paternity testing in Mississippi.
Why Choose Accredited Paternity Testing Labs in Mississippi?
Accredited paternity testing guarantees precision and reliability. At GameDay DNA, we collaborate with AABB-accredited laboratories known for delivering legally defensible and accurate results. Whether you face custody battles or want to establish paternity informally, our testing meets the highest industry standards for quality and confidentiality.
Paternity Testing Locations Near Me in Mississippi
GameDay DNA offers extensive coverage across Mississippi through our trusted network of collection centers, including cities such as Brandon, Brookhaven, Columbus, Columbia, Gulfport, Meridian, Tupelo, Vicksburg, Winona, and more. Don’t see your city? Contact us to find your closest testing site.
How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost in Mississippi?
Pricing Overview
Legal Paternity Tests: $299–$599
Follow strict chain-of-custody procedures and are admissible in court for child support and custody claims.At-Home Paternity Tests: $179–$239
Affordable, user-friendly kits designed for personal knowledge. Not valid in court but highly accurate when processed in accredited labs.Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Tests (NIPP): $1,099–$2,000
Safe during pregnancy, NIPP can establish paternity as early as seven weeks with zero risk to mother or baby.
Other DNA Testing Services
Grandparent DNA Testing
Useful when a parent’s sample isn’t available. Confirms relationships by comparing genetic markers between child and grandparents.Sibling DNA Testing
Determines if individuals share one or both biological parents, confirming full or half-sibling status.Avuncular (Aunt/Uncle) DNA Testing
Establishes biological ties via an aunt or uncle when direct parent samples cannot be collected.
Step-by-Step Paternity Testing Procedures in Mississippi
Legal Testing Process
Sample Collection: Cheek swabs obtained at accredited facilities.
Chain-of-Custody: Samples securely handled to maintain court validity.
Lab Analysis: Advanced techniques with over 99% accuracy.
Results: Available in approximately 2 business days post-analysis.
At-Home Testing Process
Collect samples via cheek swabs from child, alleged father, and mother (if needed).
Send samples using prepaid packaging to an accredited lab.
Receive results securely within 2 business days.
Establishing Legal Paternity in Mississippi
In Mississippi, there are several resources available to help individuals establish paternity. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) offers services related to paternity establishment, including genetic testing when necessary. Hospitals and birthing centers provide an opportunity for parents to complete a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form, which is a voluntary way to acknowledge paternity at the time of a child's birth. The MDHS can also assist in locating absent parents and initiating legal action to establish paternity if needed. Establishing paternity is crucial for determining parental rights and responsibilities, including child support and access to medical records. If individuals encounter difficulties or have questions about paternity, seeking legal counsel from family law attorneys is also an option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity Testing in Mississippi
Can I get a paternity test near me in Mississippi?
Yes! GameDay DNA, other accredited labs, and the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) provide legal and informational paternity DNA testing statewide. You can request DNA testing through county courts or directly from MDHS for child support, birth certificate, or legal purposes (Miss. Code § 93-9-23; Heidi Milam Law FAQ).
How much does a paternity test cost in Mississippi?
Legal/court-admissible paternity tests: $299–$600 for certified chain-of-custody testing. MDHS covers the cost for Title IV-D (child support enforcement) cases, with the state recouping costs from the non-custodial parent if paternity is confirmed (Miss. Code § 93-9-23; MDHS FAQ).
At-home/informational kits: $179–$200 for personal/private use, not court-admissible.
Prenatal (NIPP): $1099–$1,799 for legal or informational NIPP, available from 7–8 weeks GameDay DNA MS NIPP.
What types of paternity tests are available in Mississippi?
Legal/court-ordered DNA paternity tests
At-home informational DNA kits
Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPT/NIPP)
Grandparent, sibling, avuncular (aunt/uncle), and maternity DNA tests
See MDHS Child Support FAQ and Heidi Milam Law.
Are legal paternity test results admissible in court in Mississippi?
Yes! Chain-of-custody DNA results are admissible evidence in all Mississippi courts. A probability of paternity of at least 98% creates a rebuttable presumption of paternity, per Mississippi Code § 93-9-27; SSA Guidance: MS DNA Law), and tests must be performed by court-certified labs.
How long does it take to get paternity test results?
Results are typically available within 2 business days after the lab receives the samples. Some labs offer results as early as one business day. Expedited options are available for faster results.
Does insurance cover the cost of paternity testing in Mississippi?
Most insurance plans do NOT cover paternity testing unless for a medically necessary reason (GameDay DNA insurance FAQ).
Can I get a prenatal paternity test while pregnant in Mississippi?
Yes! Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) tests are available in both legal/court-admissible (with chain-of-custody) and informational forms, from as early as 7 weeks of pregnancy.
Can Paternity Testing Be Done After the Child is Born?
Yes, paternity testing can be performed at any time after the child's birth. It typically involves a simple cheek swab from the child and potential father.
Trusted Paternity Testing Services Throughout Mississippi – Accurate, Affordable, and Accessible
When it comes to establishing biological relationships, securing custody, or resolving family disputes, reliable paternity testing is essential. GameDay DNA offers court-admissible and at-home paternity tests with unmatched accuracy and fast turnaround times tailored to your needs.
Serving all major cities across Mississippi, our AABB-accredited laboratories ensure legal defensibility and peace of mind. Whether you require legal documentation or personal reassurance, trust GameDay DNA for expert, confidential service.
Ready to confirm paternity with confidence? Contact GameDay DNA today to schedule your test and learn more about our comprehensive services across Mississippi.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 302-529-1789, Mon-Fri from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
