Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County — How to Establish Parentage Legally
Establishing paternity in New Kent County is a legal process governed by Virginia law, often requiring a court order for genetic testing. A paternity test lawyer New Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides essential guidance to handle this process, protect parental rights, and address related issues like custody and support.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Definition of Paternity in Virginia
Paternity, or legal fatherhood, establishes a man’s parental rights and responsibilities for a child. In Virginia, paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or involuntarily through a court order, often involving genetic testing for paternity. The legal consequences are significant, affecting child custody, visitation, and support obligations under statutes like Va. Code § 20-49.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, assists clients with the full legal process of establishing or challenging paternity.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s parentage laws, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1. Court procedures for New Kent County are managed by the New Kent County General District Court.
Local Paternity Establishment Process in New Kent County
In New Kent County, paternity cases are typically initiated in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The process often begins with a petition to establish paternity and can involve genetic testing ordered by the court. A DNA paternity testing lawyer New Kent County can manage this process, from filing the initial petition to presenting test results and negotiating a final order.
- Consult with a paternity test lawyer to review your situation and goals.
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity with the New Kent County J&DR Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the judge may order genetic testing.
- Complete the court-ordered DNA paternity testing at an approved facility.
- Attend a final hearing where the test results are presented and a legal order of paternity is entered.
- Address subsequent matters like custody, visitation, and child support based on the established paternity.
Consequences of Establishing Paternity
In New Kent County, a legal finding of paternity creates enforceable rights and duties, including child support obligations, custody and visitation rights, and inheritance rights for the child.
| Legal Action | Primary Purpose | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Establish Paternity | To legally name the biological father | Court order of parentage; establishes basis for support and custody |
| Genetic Testing | To provide scientific proof of biological relationship | DNA test report with probability of paternity (typically 99%+ for inclusion) |
| Child Support Petition | To secure financial support for the child | Monthly support order based on Virginia guidelines and parents’ incomes |
| Custody/Visitation Petition | To establish legal decision-making and parenting time | Court order outlining custody arrangement and visitation schedule |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Paternity Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia’s family law statutes, including those Mr. Sris personally helped amend, allows us to provide strategic guidance. We focus on clear legal processes and protecting our clients’ parental rights.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team, including Mr. Sris who brings unique insight from his role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, works to achieve efficient resolutions in paternity and related family matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Paternity Test Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County and surrounding communities like Providence Forge and Quinton. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. For a paternity test lawyer near New Kent County, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County FAQ
Can I be forced to take a paternity test in Virginia?
Yes. If paternity is disputed in a New Kent County court, a judge can order you to submit to genetic testing. Refusing a court order can result in the court establishing paternity by default.
How accurate is DNA paternity testing?
Modern genetic testing for paternity is extremely accurate. A legal paternity test, conducted by an accredited lab, can typically exclude a man who is not the biological father with 100% certainty or include the biological father with a probability of 99.9% or higher.
How long after a paternity test is child support established?
It depends. Once paternity is legally established by the court, a separate petition for child support is usually filed. A hearing is scheduled, and an order is entered based on Virginia’s support guidelines. This process can take several weeks to a few months after paternity is confirmed.
Can a paternity test be used for custody cases?
Yes. Establishing paternity is the first legal step for a father to seek custody or visitation rights in New Kent County. The paternity order provides the legal standing necessary to file a custody petition.
What if the alleged father lives in another state?
Interstate paternity cases are governed by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). A paternity test lawyer New Kent County can help initiate proceedings here, which can then be enforced in the other state where the alleged father resides.
Related Legal Assistance
If you are dealing with a paternity matter in New Kent County, you may also need guidance on related issues. Our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in New Kent County and DUI defense in New Kent County. For a broader view of our family law services, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.