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-ordered DNA paternity test. A paternity test lawyer New Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through filing a petition, obtaining genetic testing, and securing legal fatherhood, which impacts custody, visitation, and child support.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, paternity establishes the legal relationship between a father and child. This determination is crucial for securing the child’s rights to financial support, inheritance, and benefits, as well as the father’s rights to custody and visitation. The process is primarily outlined in the Virginia Code, specifically under statutes addressing parentage and child support.
You can review the official Virginia parentage statutes at the Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures, visit the New Kent County Courts website.
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity with the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the judge may order genetic testing for paternity.
- Complete the court-approved DNA paternity testing at a certified facility.
- Attend a final hearing where the test results are entered as evidence and a final order of paternity is issued.
- Once paternity is established, file related actions for child support, custody, or visitation if needed.
In New Kent County, establishing paternity is a civil proceeding that can grant a father legal rights and impose child support obligations.
| Action | Legal Basis | Outcome | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Acknowledgement | Va. Code § 20-49.1 | Legal fatherhood without court | Department of Health |
| Court Petition | Va. Code § 20-49.8 | Judicial order for testing & paternity | J&DR Court |
| Genetic Testing Order | Va. Code § 20-49.8 | DNA evidence for court | J&DR Court |
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. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, our team brings deep knowledge of Virginia family law procedures. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a commitment to shaping family law.
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
Our firm has handled numerous family law matters in Central Virginia. While specific paternity case counts are integrated into our broader family law results, our approach is grounded in a thorough understanding of the genetic testing for paternity lawyer process and Virginia statutes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
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. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts. We provide representation for parents in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton seeking a DNA paternity testing lawyer New Kent County. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County FAQ
How is paternity established in Virginia?
Yes, through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form or a court order. If disputed, the court will order genetic testing.
Paternity can be established voluntarily by both parents signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, which has the full force of a court order. If paternity is contested, either parent can file a petition in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to seek a judicial order for genetic testing and a determination of parentage.
Can a mother be forced to take a paternity test in Virginia?
It depends. The child is usually the only required participant for DNA testing alongside the alleged father.
In most standard genetic paternity tests, the mother’s participation is not legally required to obtain a result, as the child’s DNA is compared directly to the alleged father’s. However, having the mother’s sample can increase the test’s statistical certainty. The court’s order will specify who must submit to testing.
How long does a court-ordered paternity test take in New Kent County?
Once the court orders testing, the actual DNA collection and lab analysis typically take 2 to 6 weeks. The overall timeline from filing a petition to a final court order can take several months, depending on the court’s docket and whether the case is contested.
What rights does a father have after paternity is established?
Once legally established as the father, a man gains the right to seek custody or visitation and also assumes the responsibility to pay child support. He may also have a say in major decisions regarding the child’s welfare and the child may gain rights to inheritance, social security, and health insurance benefits from the father.
Can I get a paternity test without going to court?
Yes, through a private testing company, but it may not be admissible in court.
At-home paternity tests are available, but their results are typically not admissible in Virginia courts for legal purposes. For a test to be used in court to establish or dispute paternity, it must follow a chain-of-custody procedure ordered by the court and performed by an approved laboratory.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent, visit our pages for criminal defense or DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.