Virginia Beach Paternity Test Lawyer — How to Establish Parentage
Establishing paternity in Virginia Beach is a legal process governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1, which can affect child custody, support, and inheritance rights. A paternity test lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through court-ordered genetic testing and related hearings. Our firm has documented results in Virginia Beach family courts. Contact us for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Paternity, or legal fatherhood, must be established for a father to have rights to custody or visitation and for a child to have rights to support, inheritance, and benefits. In Virginia, if the parents are not married when the child is born, the father has no legal rights until paternity is established. This process often involves a DNA paternity testing lawyer Virginia Beach to handle the legal and scientific steps required by the court.
Virginia Paternity Laws and Procedures
The primary statute governing paternity in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-49.1. This law outlines how paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or involuntarily through a court order. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles paternity cases. You can find court information on the official Virginia Beach J&DR Court website.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. Mr. Sris has personally contributed to Virginia family law, including amendments to the equitable distribution statute.
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity (or an Answer if you are responding) with the Virginia Beach J&DR Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the judge may order the alleged father, mother, and child to submit to genetic testing.
- Complete the court-approved genetic testing at a designated facility. The results are sent directly to the court.
- Attend a subsequent hearing to review the test results. If paternity is established, the judge will enter an order of parentage.
- The order of parentage allows the court to address child support, custody, and visitation in separate proceedings.
Consequences of Establishing Paternity
In Virginia Beach, establishing paternity creates legal rights and responsibilities, including child support obligations, custody and visitation rights, and inheritance rights for the child.
| Legal Aspect | Impact of Established Paternity |
|---|---|
| Child Support | The father becomes legally obligated to provide financial support. |
| Custody & Visitation | The father may petition the court for custody or visitation rights. |
| Inheritance | The child gains inheritance rights from the father. |
| Benefits | The child may be eligible for the father’s health insurance, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits. |
| Identity | The child has a legal right to know both parents. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Paternity Cases
Our firm’s deep involvement in Virginia family law provides a strong foundation for paternity cases. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a commitment to shaping family law. With a combined 120+ years of attorney experience and over 4,739 firm-wide case results, we approach each paternity matter with a thorough understanding of the legal and personal stakes involved.
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
For paternity cases in Virginia Beach, our team works under the guidance of Attorney Samantha Powers. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on cases involving complex financial implications of support. Our collaborative approach leverages the specific skills of our attorneys.
We have secured favorable outcomes for clients in family law matters across Virginia. In Virginia Beach, our documented approach to paternity and related family cases focuses on clear legal strategy and diligent preparation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Paternity Test Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients with paternity matters in Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-64 and I-264. We are your local paternity test lawyer Virginia Beach near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center, serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365. Office by appointment only.
Paternity Test Lawyer Virginia Beach FAQ
How is paternity established in Virginia Beach?
It depends. Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital or later. If disputed, a petition is filed in Virginia Beach J&DR Court, and the judge will often order genetic testing for the mother, child, and alleged father.
Can I be forced to take a DNA paternity test in Virginia?
Yes. If a paternity case is filed in court and you are named as the alleged father, the judge can order you to submit to genetic testing. Refusing to comply with a court order can result in the court establishing paternity by default.
How long after a DNA test is paternity established in court?
Typically, 4-8 weeks. After the court-ordered test is complete, the lab sends results to the court. A hearing is then scheduled where the judge reviews the results and, if there is a match, enters a formal Order of Paternity. The timeline depends on the court’s docket.
What if the genetic testing for paternity shows I am not the father?
If the test results exclude you as the biological father, the court will dismiss the paternity petition against you. You would have no legal obligation for child support, and you could seek reimbursement for any testing or legal costs incurred, depending on the circumstances.
Why do I need a genetic testing for paternity lawyer Virginia Beach?
A lawyer ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They handle filing correct paperwork, advocate for you in hearings, interpret test results, and help address subsequent issues like child support or custody that arise once paternity is established.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Virginia Beach and DUI cases in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.