Paternity Lawyer New Kent County, VA

Paternity issues in New Kent County, Virginia, touch the core of family relationships, financial obligations, and parental rights. Whether you need to establish paternity to secure custody or child support, or you are facing a paternity dispute that could reshape your family, having an experienced attorney guide you through the process is essential. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in New Kent County from its Richmond location, offering multi-state family law experience with a practical understanding of how Virginia’s paternity statutes operate in the Ninth Judicial District. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, brings decades of legal experience to each matter, helping parents navigate genetic testing, voluntary acknowledgments, and contested hearings with clarity and determination. Our attorneys appear regularly before the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the New Kent County Circuit Court, where paternity and related custody and support matters are heard. To discuss your situation and learn how a paternity lawyer can help protect your interests, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

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What Paternity Means in New Kent County, Virginia

In Virginia, paternity refers to the legal recognition of a father-child relationship. It is the foundation for a father’s right to seek custody or visitation and a child’s right to receive financial support, inheritance, and access to medical records. New Kent County families encounter paternity questions in several contexts: an unmarried mother may want to establish paternity to obtain a child support order; a father may want to secure his parenting time and decision-making authority; or a married couple may need to resolve a paternity dispute in the midst of a divorce or separation. In all of these situations, the laws that govern paternity—primarily found in Virginia Code Title 20—set out clear steps for establishing or challenging fatherhood.

New Kent County, situated along the I‑64 corridor between Richmond and Williamsburg, is served by two primary courts that handle paternity and related family law matters. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle in New Kent, presides over standalone petitions to establish parentage, custody and support matters, and protective orders. When paternity arises as part of a divorce or equitable distribution proceeding, the New Kent County Circuit Court has jurisdiction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team are familiar with the local procedures, filing requirements, and judicial expectations in both courts, and they work to guide clients efficiently through each stage of the process. Our Richmond location serves all of New Kent County, including the communities of Providence Forge, Quinton, and New Kent.

Virginia law does not presume paternity for unmarried fathers. Instead, fatherhood must be established through one of several legal mechanisms: a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity signed by both parents; an administrative order issued by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE); or a court order entered after a petition and, if necessary, genetic testing. Once paternity is established, the father may exercise his parental rights and become obligated to provide child support. Conversely, if a man is incorrectly named as the father, he has the right to challenge the finding through a timely legal action. A paternity lawyer in New Kent County can explain which avenue is most appropriate given your specific facts and can take the necessary action to protect your interests.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a paternity matter in New Kent County, the first step is a thorough consultation. Mr. Sris or a member of his Of Counsel team will listen to your goals—whether you are a mother seeking financial support, a father wanting visitation rights, or a spouse dealing with a paternity dispute during a divorce. We then develop a strategy tailored to your situation, keeping you informed at every turn. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful preparation, and procedural integrity.

For an uncontested matter, we often guide clients through the voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity process, ensuring the document is properly executed and filed with the Virginia Department of Vital Statistics. If a court proceeding is required, we prepare and file a petition in the appropriate New Kent County court. We gather evidence, arrange for court-admissible genetic testing when necessary, and advocate on your behalf at hearings. In contested cases, we present arguments that address statutory factors, the child’s best interests, and any rebuttable presumptions that may apply. Throughout, we help you understand the timeline—remembering that the pace depends on court schedules and the complexity of your case—and we work toward a resolution that protects your rights while minimizing conflict for the child. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team strive to reach favorable outcomes; however, past results do not guarantee a similar result

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings a comprehensive understanding of courtroom dynamics to every family law case he handles. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience in family law includes matters of paternity, divorce, child custody, and support.

Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys, each with substantial experience in their respective areas of practice. They are not employees of the firm but are engaged through Excella, bringing a collective depth of legal knowledge to New Kent County matters. Together, the team provides clients with the benefit of multi-state insight, local familiarity, and a focus on achieving practical solutions. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex financial or evidentiary questions, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are equipped to guide you through the Virginia legal system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in New Kent County, Virginia?

Paternity in Virginia may be established through a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, an order from the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), or a court order after a petition and genetic testing. In New Kent County, court petitions are filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or, if part of a divorce, in the Circuit Court. The process may involve DNA testing, and if the court finds that the man is the biological father, it will enter an order establishing paternity, which then allows for custody, visitation, and support determinations. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the legal consequences of establishing paternity in Virginia?

Once paternity is established, the father gains the right to seek custody and visitation, while the child obtains the right to financial support, inheritance, and access to medical and insurance benefits. The father also becomes legally obligated to support the child, and child support will be calculated according to Virginia guidelines. In New Kent County, these support and custody arrangements are often determined by the J&DR Court or incorporated into a divorce decree by the Circuit Court. The establishment of paternity can also affect future legal matters such as adoption. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a paternity finding be challenged in New Kent County?

Yes, a paternity determination may be challenged under Virginia law, but strict time limits and procedural requirements apply. A man who has been adjudicated the father, or who signed a voluntary acknowledgment, may petition the court to set aside the finding if genetic test results exclude him. The motion must be filed promptly and supported by evidence. Legal representation is important because the court will consider the best interests of the child and the length of time that the existing order has been in effect. Our firm can evaluate whether you have grounds for a challenge and guide you through the process in New Kent County courts. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How does a Virginia lawyer help in a paternity dispute?

A family law attorney helps by investigating the facts, gathering evidence, arranging for genetic testing, and advocating for the client’s position in court. In New Kent County, a lawyer can file the appropriate petition, handle all communication with the other party or their attorney, and present arguments that address statutory factors such as the child’s emotional and financial needs. Whether the matter is a custody dispute, a child support enforcement action, or a contested paternity case, having experienced counsel can make the process less overwhelming and improve the likelihood of a favorable resolution. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I receive notice of a paternity action in New Kent County?

If you receive a court notice about a paternity matter, it is essential to respond within any stated deadlines and to seek legal advice immediately. In New Kent County, these documents may originate from the J&DR Court or the Circuit Court. The notice will explain the nature of the claim and your rights. Ignoring it can result in a default order that establishes paternity and imposes child support obligations. A lawyer can review the petition, explain your options, and appear on your behalf to protect your interests. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer to establish paternity in Virginia?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having one can help avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your rights are fully protected. While the Virginia Department of Social Services offers administrative processes for establishing paternity, a court proceeding involves legal complexities—including rules of evidence, genetic testing protocols, and statutory best-interest factors. An attorney can draft pleadings, negotiate settlements, and present your case effectively before a judge. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Official Virginia Resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) |
New Kent County Combined Courts |
Virginia Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.