Paternity Dispute Lawyer New Kent County — Protecting Your Parental Rights
A paternity dispute in New Kent County can affect custody, support, and inheritance rights. Under Virginia law, paternity can be established or challenged through the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. As a paternity dispute lawyer New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for fathers and mothers in contested paternity matters. We have documented results in New Kent County family courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Paternity establishes the legal father-child relationship, creating rights and obligations for child support, custody, visitation, and inheritance. In Virginia, paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or involuntarily through a court order. When paternity is contested, either party may request genetic testing. A paternity challenge lawyer New Kent County can guide you through the legal process, whether you are seeking to establish paternity or defend against an allegation.
The primary statute governing paternity actions in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. This code outlines the procedures for establishing paternity, including genetic testing protocols and the legal effects of a paternity determination. Cases are filed in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which shares the courthouse at 12001 Courthouse Circle.
- Consult with a contested paternity lawyer New Kent County to review your case details and goals.
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity or an Answer to a paternity petition with the New Kent J&DR Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the judge may order genetic testing for the alleged father, mother, and child.
- Review the genetic test results. If paternity is established, the case proceeds to issues of custody, visitation, and support.
- Participate in final hearings to obtain a court order legally establishing paternity and any related orders.
In New Kent County, a paternity determination creates legal obligations for child support and establishes rights to custody and visitation.
| Action | Legal Basis | Potential Outcome | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establish Paternity | Va. Code § 20-49.1 | Legal father-child relationship, child support order | New Kent J&DR Court |
| Challenge Paternity | Va. Code § 20-49.8 | Disestablishment of paternity, termination of support duty | New Kent J&DR Court |
| Genetic Testing | Va. Code § 20-49.7 | Court-ordered DNA test to prove/disprove biological link | Court-Approved Lab |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters, including paternity disputes. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep involvement in shaping state family law.
Our firm has 11 documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County. In family law, our approach focuses on clear strategy and assertive advocacy, whether establishing parental rights or defending against an unfounded paternity claim. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients with paternity matters in New Kent County courts. We are accessible via I-64 and represent parents in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. If you need a paternity dispute lawyer New Kent County near the courthouse, contact us for a consultation.
Paternity Dispute Lawyer New Kent County FAQ
How is paternity established in Virginia?
Yes, through a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity or a court order. If contested, the court will order genetic testing. A paternity order establishes legal rights and responsibilities for child support, custody, and visitation under Va. Code § 20-49.1.
Can I challenge a paternity determination in New Kent County?
Yes. You can challenge paternity by filing a petition in New Kent J&DR Court, typically with new evidence like genetic test results. Deadlines apply, so consult a paternity challenge lawyer New Kent County promptly. The process is governed by Va. Code § 20-49.8.
What if the alleged father refuses genetic testing?
It depends. The court can order testing. If he refuses after a court order, the judge may establish paternity by default against him based on that refusal, as permitted under Virginia law. A contested paternity lawyer New Kent County can advise on compelling testing.
How does paternity affect child support?
Once paternity is legally established, the father has a duty to support the child. The New Kent J&DR Court will calculate support using Virginia guidelines based on both parents’ incomes. An established paternity is a prerequisite for a support order.
For more information on Virginia paternity laws, visit the official Virginia General Assembly code. For New Kent County court procedures, see the New Kent County Combined Courts website.
Explore our Virginia Family Law hub. For help in nearby areas, see our pages for Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. For other legal needs in New Kent, consider our criminal defense or personal injury services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.