Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County — Establishing Parental Rights
A paternity test lawyer in New Kent County handles legal actions to establish a biological father-child relationship, often requiring court-ordered DNA testing under Va. Code § 20-49.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for fathers seeking to confirm paternity or mothers needing to establish child support.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Definition of Paternity in Virginia
Paternity refers to the legal establishment of a man as the biological father of a child. In Virginia, paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or involuntarily through a court order, often involving genetic testing. The primary statute governing paternity establishment is Va. Code § 20-49.1. Once established, paternity creates legal rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation, and the obligation to pay child support. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a strategic understanding of family court procedures.
Official Resources for Paternity Law
For the official Virginia law on paternity, refer to Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1. The New Kent County General District Court website provides local forms and filing information for paternity and child support cases.
Local Paternity Test Process in New Kent County
In New Kent County, paternity cases are typically filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR). The court may order genetic testing if paternity is disputed. A key local procedural fact is that New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters arising from paternity establishment. Virginia law allows for genetic testing to be ordered at the request of either party or by the court itself.
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity (or a Complaint for Child Support) with the New Kent County 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 DNA paternity testing at a designated facility.
- Attend a subsequent hearing where the test results are presented and the judge enters an order of paternity.
- The final order will address custody, visitation, and child support based on the established paternity.
Consequences of Establishing Paternity
In New Kent County, establishing paternity creates legal rights to custody and visitation and imposes the duty to pay child support, calculated using Virginia guidelines.
| Legal Action | Primary Purpose | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Acknowledgment | Establish paternity without court | Creates legal father-child relationship |
| Court Order for Testing | Resolve disputed paternity | Binding determination of biological father |
| Petition for Support | Secure financial support for child | Child support order based on income |
| Custody/Visitation Petition | Define parenting time | Court-approved custody and visitation schedule |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Paternity Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. For paternity cases requiring a DNA paternity testing lawyer in New Kent County, our team understands the sensitive nature of these proceedings and works to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
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 in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these local matters. Our attorneys work to achieve resolutions that protect our clients’ relationships with their children.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Paternity Test Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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
By appointment only.
Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County FAQ
Can a court force a DNA paternity test in New Kent County?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-49.1, the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court can order the mother, child, and alleged father to submit to genetic testing if paternity is disputed.
How much does a court-ordered paternity test cost in Virginia?
Costs vary. The court typically determines who pays. If the alleged father is found not to be the biological father, he is usually reimbursed. If he is the father, he may be ordered to pay a portion of the testing and legal costs.
What rights does a father have after paternity is established?
Once paternity is legally established, the father gains the right to seek custody or visitation and also assumes the responsibility to provide financial support (child support). He may also have a say in major decisions affecting the child.
Can I get a paternity test without the mother’s consent?
It depends. A putative father can petition the court to establish paternity. The court can order testing even if the mother objects, provided there is a legitimate reason to believe the man is the father and it is in the child’s best interest.
How long does it take to establish paternity in court?
The timeline varies. An uncontested case with a voluntary acknowledgment can be quick. A contested case requiring genetic testing for paternity through a lawyer in New Kent County can take several months, depending on court scheduling and testing lab turnaround times.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.