Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County — Establishing Parental Rights
Establishing paternity in New Kent County is a legal process governed by Virginia law, often requiring a court order for DNA testing. A paternity test lawyer New Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through filing a petition, obtaining a genetic test, and securing a legal determination of parentage.
Legal Definition of Paternity in Virginia
Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Under Virginia law, a man is presumed to be the father if he was married to the child’s mother at the time of birth or conception. When paternity is disputed, the court can order genetic testing. The primary statute governing this process is Va. Code § 20-49.1, which outlines the procedures for establishing paternity, including the use of genetic testing results as evidence.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s paternity laws, refer to the Va. Code § 20-49.1 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For local court procedures, visit the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website.
Process for Establishing Paternity in New Kent County
A petition to establish paternity is filed in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If paternity is denied, the court will typically order the mother, child, and alleged father to submit to genetic testing. A DNA paternity testing lawyer New Kent County can manage this process, ensuring the chain of custody for test samples is properly maintained for court admissibility. Once results are received, the court will enter an order of paternity, which establishes legal fatherhood.
- File a “Petition to Establish Paternity and/or Support” with the New Kent J&DR Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court may order genetic testing.
- Complete court-approved genetic testing at a designated facility.
- Attend a final hearing where test results are presented and a paternity order is entered.
- The order establishes legal rights and obligations for child support, custody, and visitation.
Why Legal Representation is Critical
In New Kent County, a legal finding of paternity creates binding obligations for child support and establishes rights to custody and visitation.
handling this process without an attorney can lead to procedural errors, delayed rulings, or unfavorable outcomes. A genetic testing for paternity lawyer New Kent County ensures your petition is filed correctly, advocates for your position regarding testing, and protects your parental rights throughout the litigation. Legal counsel is vital whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity for support or an alleged father seeking to confirm or disprove biological parentage.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, brings a unique background in accounting and information systems, which is advantageous in cases involving complex financial support calculations. Notably, Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law matters. In New Kent County, we have achieved positive results for clients across various case types. Mr. Sris, our founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex family law matters, leveraging his experience and his successful amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
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. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be forced to take a paternity test in Virginia?
Yes. If paternity is contested in a New Kent County court, the judge can order the mother, child, and alleged father to submit to genetic testing. Refusing a court order can result in the court making a finding against you.
How accurate are court-ordered DNA paternity tests?
Modern genetic testing is highly accurate, typically showing a probability of paternity at 99% or higher. Courts in Virginia accept results from accredited laboratories as conclusive evidence when proper procedures are followed.
What happens after paternity is established?
Once a court order establishes paternity, the legal father becomes responsible for child support. The order also grants him the right to petition the court for custody or visitation. The mother can seek a child support order.
How long does it take to establish paternity in court?
It depends. An uncontested case with agreed-upon testing can resolve in a few months. A contested case with multiple hearings can take six months to a year or longer in New Kent County J&DR Court.
Can a paternity test be used to stop child support?
Yes. If a genetic test proves a man is not the biological father, he can petition the court to disestablish paternity and terminate his child support obligation. A paternity test lawyer New Kent County can file the necessary motions.
Related Legal Services in New Kent County
If you are dealing with paternity issues, you may also need assistance with child support or child custody. For broader family law matters, see our Virginia family law hub. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions 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.