Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County, VA

If you need legal guidance on paternity testing in New Kent County, Virginia, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent parents, children, and families in paternity proceedings. Paternity testing is often the first step to establishing parental rights, custody, visitation, child support, and medical-decision authority under Virginia law. Our firm appears at the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and, when matters involve divorce or equitable distribution, the New Kent County Circuit Court. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

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

Practicing since 1997

What Paternity Testing Means in New Kent County, Virginia

New Kent County, situated between Richmond and Williamsburg along the I‑64 corridor, is part of Virginia’s Ninth Judicial District. Family law matters involving paternity are heard at the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, Virginia 23124. This court handles petitions to establish paternity, custody, visitation, and child support for unmarried parents. When a paternity issue arises within a divorce or equitable distribution case, the matter proceeds in the New Kent County Circuit Court, the court of exclusive original jurisdiction for divorce under Va. Code § 20‑96.

Virginia’s paternity law is governed by Va. Code § 20‑49.1 et seq., which provides the framework for determining legal parentage. A genetic test may be ordered by the court or may be agreed upon by the parties. The results of a properly conducted test can be used as evidence to establish a parent‑child relationship, which then triggers rights and obligations—including custody, visitation, and child support under the Virginia child support guidelines. Our Richmond Location serves clients in New Kent County, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with local court practices and statutory requirements specific to paternity proceedings.

How a Virginia Paternity Case Proceeds

In New Kent County, a paternity action typically begins when a parent, the Virginia Department of Social Services, or an alleged father files a petition to establish legal parentage. The court may require genetic testing—usually a DNA swab—conducted through an accredited laboratory. If the test confirms a biological relationship, the court will enter an order establishing paternity. From there, the court may address custody, visitation, and child support, applying the trusted‑interests factors under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. Even if the parents are in agreement, having a court‑ordered paternity determination creates a legally enforceable record that protects the child’s rights.

Because paternity can affect subsequent proceedings—such as a later divorce or equitable distribution claim—approaching the matter with experienced counsel is important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with clients to ensure that genetic‑testing procedures comply with statutory requirements, that results are admissible, and that the legal consequences are fully understood before any order is entered.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Matters

Mr. Sris, who founded the firm in 1997, and his Of Counsel team approach paternity cases by first clarifying the client’s goals—whether it is to establish a legal connection for custody and support, to challenge an erroneous claim of paternity, or to resolve a paternity issue that has arisen in the context of a divorce. They review the facts, explain the statutory framework under Va. Code § 20‑49.1 et seq., and, if testing is appropriate, coordinate with accredited laboratories. When a matter is contested, the team prepares for hearings at the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or Circuit Court, as the circumstances require.

The firm’s collective experience includes handling related matters—custody, visitation, support, and equitable distribution—all within a single representation where possible. That integrated approach helps avoid inconsistent orders and reduces the need for separate proceedings. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across practice areas. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., concentrates his practice in family law, criminal defense, and related areas. A former prosecutor, he has handled litigation in Virginia courts since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His legislative experience includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience in family law, child custody, and support matters. The Of Counsel team includes practitioners with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and child‑welfare litigation. Every matter is handled with the attention that a family‑law issue demands, and all court appearances are prepared with thorough knowledge of the venue—including the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the New Kent County Circuit Court.

Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a paternity test lawyer do?

A paternity test lawyer represents parties in legal proceedings to establish or challenge parentage through genetic testing and court orders. In New Kent County, that representation includes filing petitions, coordinating with testing facilities, presenting DNA evidence to the court, and addressing the custody, visitation, and support issues that flow from a paternity determination. The attorney also handles disputes about testing methodology, chain of custody, and the admissibility of results under Virginia law. When paternity is contested, the lawyer prepares for hearings at the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or, if connected to a divorce action, the Circuit Court.

How is paternity legally established in Virginia?

Paternity is legally established in Virginia through a court order based on a petition and, where necessary, genetic testing under Va. Code § 20‑49.1 et seq. An unmarried mother, alleged father, or the Department of Social Services may file the petition. The court can order DNA testing, and if the results show a probability of parentage of 98% or greater, Virginia law presumes the person is the biological father. Once paternity is established, the court enters an order of parentage, which creates the right to seek custody and visitation and the obligation to pay child support pursuant to the Virginia guidelines. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has jurisdiction over these matters.

Do I need a lawyer for a paternity test in New Kent County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer to request a paternity test, but legal counsel helps ensure that the testing is done correctly, the results are admissible, and the legal consequences are anticipated. Without counsel, a parent may inadvertently waive rights or agree to an order that later proves difficult to modify. An experienced family‑law attorney can explain how paternity affects custody, visitation, child support, and inheritance rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in New Kent County paternity proceedings and can guide you through each step. To discuss your particular situation, call (888) 437-7747.

Can a paternity test be challenged in court?

Yes, paternity test results can be challenged by raising issues with the testing process, chain of custody, laboratory accreditation, or by presenting contrary evidence. In Virginia, a party may contest the admission of DNA results or request a second test. The court evaluates the reliability of the evidence before making a finding of parentage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the specific facts of each case to determine whether grounds exist to challenge testing or to seek additional testing through court order. For guidance on challenging paternity in New Kent County, contact our firm.

What happens after paternity is established?

After paternity is established, the court can address custody, visitation, and child support, applying the trusted‑interests factors under Va. Code § 20‑124.3 and the Virginia child support guidelines. The legal father gains the right to seek custody and parenting time, and both parents become responsible for the child’s financial support. If the parties cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will decide based on the evidence. In some cases, the court may also allocate medical‑decision authority and resolve disputes regarding the child’s surname. Having a clear paternity order allows all subsequent family‑law matters to proceed on a foundation of legal certainty.

Where are paternity cases heard in New Kent County?

Standalone paternity, custody, and support cases are heard at the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, Virginia 23124. If paternity is raised within a divorce proceeding, the matter is heard by the New Kent County Circuit Court at the same courthouse location. Our Richmond Location regularly appears at both courts. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for directions or to schedule an appointment.

How long does a paternity case take in New Kent County?

The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling. A straightforward, uncontested petition with cooperative genetic testing can be resolved relatively quickly, while a contested matter involving challenges to the testing or disputes over custody and support may extend the timeline. The court’s calendar and the need for expert testimony also affect how long the case takes. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move matters forward while fully protecting clients’ interests. To discuss the specifics of your situation, call (888) 437-7747.

Can paternity be established without going to court?

In Virginia, paternity can be acknowledged without a court hearing through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, but a court order is still required to create an enforceable legal status with parental rights and obligations. The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement provides an Acknowledgment of Paternity form that, when signed by both parents and filed, results in the father’s name being placed on the birth certificate. However, a voluntary acknowledgment does not automatically grant custody, visitation, or support—those rights are typically addressed in a subsequent court proceeding. An attorney can help you evaluate whether an acknowledgment or a court petition is the better path for your circumstances.

What if the alleged father lives out of state?

If the alleged father lives outside Virginia, paternity can still be established under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, which allows Virginia courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over non‑resident fathers in certain circumstances. The petition may be filed in New Kent County, and the court can coordinate genetic testing across state lines. Establishing paternity across jurisdictions can raise additional procedural issues, including service of process and compliance with the laws of the father’s home state. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience handling multi‑state family‑law matters and can determine whether a New Kent County court can properly adjudicate the case.

Is genetic testing always required to establish paternity?

Genetic testing is not always required if paternity is not in dispute; the court may enter an order based on the parties’ agreement and other evidence. However, when parentage is contested or uncertain, the court has the authority to order DNA testing under Va. Code § 20‑49.1. The testing provides objective evidence that the court can rely on to make a legal finding. Even when the parents are in agreement, some clients choose to obtain testing through their attorney to have a documented result before entering any custody or support order.

How much does a paternity lawyer cost in New Kent County?

Legal fees for paternity representation vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether the matter is contested, and whether additional proceedings such as custody or support are involved. During an initial consultation, we discuss the scope of work and the anticipated approach. Our firm accepts payment by major credit cards, check, cash, and offers payment plans. Contingency fees, however, are not available for family‑law matters. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation and receive information about fee arrangements.

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Last reviewed: July 2026

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