Paternity in New Kent County, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., which establishes the legal process for determining biological parentage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience handling paternity cases in New Kent County, with documented results across all practice areas. A Paternity Lawyer New Kent County can guide you through genetic testing, custody, and support obligations.
Paternity Lawyer New Kent County, Virginia
Paternity cases in Virginia are governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., which provides the legal framework for establishing biological parentage. This statute allows the court to order genetic testing, determine child support obligations, and address custody and visitation rights. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience. The process typically begins with a petition filed at the New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court or New Kent County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For official statutory text, see Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit New Kent County General District Court (vacourts.gov — official site).
In New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, prosecutors and court staff routinely expect parties to have completed genetic testing before the first hearing. We have observed that judges in New Kent County prioritize the child’s experienced interests when paternity is contested.
- File a petition to establish paternity at the New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court may order genetic testing.
- Complete genetic testing through an accredited laboratory.
- Attend a follow-up hearing to review test results.
- Receive a court order establishing paternity, which may include child support and custody provisions.
- Enforce or modify the order as needed through future court proceedings.
In New Kent County, paternity cases under Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. carry no criminal penalties but establish legal obligations for child support, custody, and visitation.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund interception |
| Paternity Fraud | Civil | None | Reimbursement of support paid | None | Court order to repay support |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm, “Advocacy Without Borders,” has extensive experience in family law matters, including paternity cases in New Kent County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in New Kent County: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 6 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include traffic, criminal, and drug offense cases, demonstrating the firm’s broad litigation experience.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County General District Court, with access via I-64 and Route 33. As a Paternity Lawyer New Kent County, we serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity in New Kent County
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and New Kent County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at New Kent County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody in New Kent County is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. New Kent County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at New Kent County Circuit Court.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against establish paternity charges?
Defense strategies for establish paternity in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing establish paternity charges in Virginia?
If facing establish paternity charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Visitation Enforcement Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Complex Property Division Lawyer Goochland County or Complex Property Division Lawyer Albemarle County pages.
Last updated: 2026-05-01