Paternity Test Lawyer New Kent County, VA

Paternity testing is a legal process that can significantly affect the rights and responsibilities of parents and children in New Kent County. Whether you need to establish paternity for child support, custody, or visitation, or you are challenging paternity in an existing family law matter, having an attorney who understands Virginia’s paternity statutes and the local court system is important. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in paternity cases throughout the New Kent area, including appearances before the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Paternity Tests in New Kent County, Virginia

Establishing paternity creates a legal father-child relationship. Under Virginia law, custody, visitation, and child support obligations flow from that legal relationship. In New Kent County, paternity matters are typically filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. The court may order genetic testing, make findings of paternity, and enter orders addressing custody, parenting time, and support. Virginia Code § 20‑49.1 and related statutes govern the process.

For parents who are unmarried, paternity must be established before a father can be granted legal rights to the child. Even when a father is listed on a birth certificate, that does not automatically confer full legal rights; a court determination of paternity may still be required to enforce rights or obligations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assist clients in New Kent County by filing petitions to establish paternity, coordinating genetic testing, and advocating for fair outcomes at trial or through negotiated agreements. Because this area of law often intersects with divorce, custody, and support, the firm’s extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel allows for a comprehensive approach to each case. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases

The legal team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches paternity matters by first understanding each client’s goals—whether that means establishing paternity to secure parenting rights, challenging an alleged paternity, or modifying existing orders based on new evidence. The process begins with a detailed review of the facts, including any existing DNA test results, the child’s birth records, and the nature of the relationship between the parties. If genetic testing has not already been performed, the firm guides clients through the court-ordered testing process or arranges for accredited laboratory testing that meets Virginia’s evidentiary standards.

Once the paternity legal question is resolved, the focus shifts to the related family law issues. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to negotiate parenting schedules, calculate child support according to Virginia’s guidelines, and draft settlement agreements when the parties are able to agree. When an agreement cannot be reached, the firm represents clients at hearings before the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or, in matters tied to a divorce, the New Kent County Circuit Court. Throughout the process, the firm keeps clients informed of their options and the potential legal consequences of each decision.

The Legal Significance of Establishing Paternity

Paternity is the legal determination that a man is the father of a child. Once established, it triggers important rights and responsibilities. The father may seek custody or visitation, and the child becomes eligible for inheritance, health insurance coverage through the father, and benefits such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits. Conversely, the father becomes responsible for child support and may be required to contribute to the child’s medical and educational expenses. Virginia courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard when making custody and visitation decisions, and a legally established father has standing to participate fully in those proceedings.

In some cases, a man may be wrongly identified as a father—for example, through a mistaken presumption in a marriage or a fraudulent acknowledgement. Virginia law provides mechanisms to challenge paternity through disestablishment proceedings, which may involve genetic testing and a court hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals on both sides of paternity disputes, working to ensure that the legal father-child relationship reflects biological reality when the facts support that conclusion.

What to Expect When Filing a Paternity Case in New Kent County

Filing a paternity petition is the first formal step. The petitioner (often the mother, the alleged father, or a state agency) files a complaint with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The court then schedules a hearing. If genetic testing is requested and ordered, the parties and the child will be directed to a certified laboratory. Test results are typically available within several weeks, though the timeline depends on the lab and the court’s calendar. A hearing is then held where the judge considers the DNA evidence, testimony from the parties, and any other relevant evidence before making a finding of paternity.

If paternity is established, the court may move immediately to address child support, custody, and visitation, or it may schedule a separate hearing for those issues. Individuals who already have a paternity order but are seeking modification of support or custody due to changed circumstances must file a separate motion. The same court will handle those modification requests. Because the procedures and timelines can be confusing, having an attorney who is familiar with the local court’s practices can help reduce delays and avoid procedural pitfalls.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Since then, the firm has grown to serve clients across five jurisdictions—Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). All non‑Sris attorneys at the firm are Of Counsel, a structure that allows the firm to draw on a wide range of legal experience tailored to each client’s needs. The firm’s Richmond location serves families in New Kent County, Providence Forge, Quinton, and surrounding communities.

Paternity and Your Family: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I establish paternity if the father does not want to cooperate?

If the alleged father refuses to participate voluntarily, you can ask the court to order genetic testing. A paternity petition may be filed with the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the court can compel the alleged father to submit to DNA testing. Refusal may result in the court finding him in contempt or, in some circumstances, entering a default judgment of paternity. Once paternity is legally established, the father’s obligations—including child support and the right to seek custody—are enforceable.

Does a DNA test automatically establish paternity in Virginia?

No. A DNA test is evidence, but a court order or an acknowledgement of paternity must be signed to create the legal relationship. Under Virginia law, a properly conducted genetic test that shows a probability of paternity of 98% or higher creates a legal presumption of paternity, but the court must still enter an order. Alternatively, unmarried parents may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form, which has the same effect as a court order once filed with the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Can I challenge a paternity determination that was made years ago?

Yes, but the grounds are limited and you must act promptly upon discovering new evidence. Virginia law allows a person to challenge an existing paternity determination based on fraud, mistake, or newly discovered evidence such as DNA test results that were not previously available. The motion must be filed in the court that made the original determination—typically the J&DR Court in New Kent County. Because timing is critical, speak with a family law attorney as soon as you learn information that raises questions about the accuracy of the paternity finding.

What happens if paternity is established while a divorce is pending?

If a child is born during a marriage but a man outside the marriage is proven to be the biological father, the paternity issue must be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. In such cases, paternity proceedings often run alongside the divorce in the New Kent County Circuit Court. The court will consider the DNA evidence, any acknowledgments, and the best interests of the child when deciding the legal parentage. The outcome can significantly impact custody, visitation, and support arrangements.

How does paternity affect child support obligations?

Once paternity is established, the father becomes legally obligated to pay child support. Virginia calculates child support according to statutory guidelines that consider the combined gross income of both parents, the number of children, the cost of health insurance, and work-related childcare expenses. The obligor must pay the ordered amount until the child turns 18 or, in some cases, graduates from high school. If the father fails to pay, enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt proceedings may follow.

Will my paternity case go to trial, or can it be settled?

Many paternity cases are resolved without a full trial. If genetic testing conclusively identifies the biological father and the parties can agree on custody, parenting time, and support, a written settlement agreement may be submitted to the court for approval. This saves time and reduces conflict. If the parties cannot agree on one or more issues, the court will hold a hearing and decide. An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate whether a negotiated resolution is feasible.

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

You are not required to have an attorney, but paternity cases can have long‑term legal consequences that are difficult to reverse. Issues of custody, visitation, and support are complex, and mistakes made during the initial proceedings can be costly. An attorney can help ensure that all procedural requirements are met, that the genetic testing is conducted properly, and that your rights are protected before the court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations to discuss your situation.

What is the role of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in paternity cases?

The New Kent County J&DR Court has jurisdiction over paternity, custody, visitation, and child support when the parents are not married. If the paternity matter is part of a divorce, the Circuit Court may handle it concurrently. The J&DR Court addresses protective orders, support enforcement, and modifications as well. Proceedings in this court are generally less formal than in Circuit Court, but the orders carry the same legal weight. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear before the J&DR Court in New Kent County.

Can a mother refuse a paternity test?

A mother can initially decline to participate, but the court can order both the mother and child to submit to testing. If a father files a paternity petition and requests genetic testing, and the court finds reasonable cause, it will order the mother and child to undergo testing. Refusal to comply may result in adverse inferences or contempt of court. The court’s primary concern is the accurate determination of parentage.

How long does the entire paternity process take in New Kent County?

The timeline varies by case and depends on factors such as court scheduling, the availability of genetic test results, and whether the matter is contested. In straightforward cases with cooperation, the process can be completed in a few months. Contested cases or those that involve parallel divorce or custody disputes may take longer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move cases forward efficiently while ensuring that every client’s interests are thoroughly represented.

Is genetic testing covered by insurance or state programs?

Generally, health insurance does not cover court‑ordered paternity testing. The cost of testing is typically paid by the party requesting it, but the court can allocate the expense between the parties. Some laboratories offer payment plans. In child support enforcement actions initiated by the Division of Child Support Enforcement, the state may advance the cost of testing and seek reimbursement from the father once paternity is confirmed.

What happens if the father lives in another state?

Virginia has jurisdiction if the child resides in the Commonwealth, even if the alleged father lives elsewhere. The case is filed in the county where the child resides—in this instance, New Kent County. Service of process on an out‑of‑state father must comply with both Virginia’s long‑arm statute and the requirements of the state where the father lives. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act provides mechanisms to enforce support orders across state lines. Consulting an attorney with multi‑state experience can help navigate these complexities.

Internal Resources

Learn more about our family law practice in other Virginia communities:
Fairfax County Family Law |
Prince William County Family Law |
Manassas Family Law |
Fairfax City Family Law |
Falls Church Family Law

Virginia Legal Resources

Visit official state sources for additional statutory and court information:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) |
New Kent County Circuit Court |
Virginia Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

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

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.