Paternity Rights Lawyer New Kent County, VA

Paternity matters in New Kent County, Virginia, affect both fathers and mothers in significant ways—from child custody and visitation to financial support and inheritance rights. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients through the legal process of establishing or challenging paternity under Va. Code § 20‑49.1 et seq. Whether you are a father seeking legal recognition of your relationship with your child, or a mother seeking to establish paternity for support purposes, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to the matter. For a consultation, reach our firm 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

On this page

What Paternity Rights Means in New Kent County, Virginia

In New Kent County, paternity establishment is a legal proceeding that identifies a child’s biological father and defines the corresponding parental rights and obligations. The process is governed by Virginia Code Title 20, and cases are heard at the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (for standalone custody, visitation, and support matters) or the New Kent County Circuit Court when paternity arises within a divorce or equitable distribution action. Our Richmond location—at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23225—serves clients throughout New Kent County, including the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. The court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, handles all family-law filings; careful attention to local procedural rules is essential.

Establishing paternity in Virginia can be accomplished voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity signed by both parents, or through a court order following a petition. The law provides for genetic testing under Va. Code § 20‑49.4 when parentage is disputed. Once paternity is legally established, the father gains the right to seek custody and visitation, and both parents become subject to child support obligations calculated under Virginia’s statutory guidelines. A father’s paternity recognition also secures the child’s eligibility for benefits such as health insurance, Social Security, and inheritance. Because paternity determinations can have lasting consequences on a family’s structure and finances, early involvement of experienced counsel is advisable. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with New Kent County court practices and can guide you through each stage of the proceeding.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Rights Cases

Every paternity case begins with a thorough evaluation of the client’s circumstances. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how to present evidence clearly and advocate effectively in a courtroom setting. For a father seeking to establish paternity, the firm works to gather the necessary documentation, coordinate genetic testing if needed, and file the petition in the appropriate New Kent County court. For a mother pursuing child support or seeking to affirm the father’s legal responsibilities, the team explains the statutory framework under Va. Code § 20‑108.1 and represents her interests at hearings. In complex situations where paternity is contested or where a third party claims parental rights, the Of Counsel collective brings additional depth—including experience in custody litigation and the evaluation of forensic evidence—to pursue a favorable resolution.

Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel emphasize clear communication and client preparation. They explain each court appearance, the types of orders the judge may enter (such as temporary custody, pendente lite child support, or a genetic testing order), and the implications of any voluntary acknowledgment. The firm’s approach is to build a well-prepared case tailored to the specific facts and to work toward outcomes that serve the client’s long-term interests. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and his background as a former prosecutor informs his courtroom advocacy. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His focus on family-law matters includes paternity rights, child custody, and support litigation.

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who contribute their own extensive legal backgrounds to paternity and custody cases. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to represent clients in New Kent County. The firm handles each case with attention to the individual needs of the family and the procedural requirements of the Virginia courts. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in New Kent County, Virginia?

Paternity in Virginia may be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity signed by both parents, or by court order after a petition is filed in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If parentage is contested, the court can order genetic testing under Va. Code § 20‑49.4. Once paternity is legally confirmed, the father’s name may be added to the birth certificate, and the court can address custody, visitation, and child support. An experienced lawyer can help ensure the correct documents are filed and that both parents understand their rights and obligations.

What rights does a father gain once paternity is established in Virginia?

Once paternity is established, a father obtains the right to seek custody and visitation, the obligation to provide financial support, and the ability to include the child in health insurance and inheritance matters. The court will determine custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. The father also gains standing to participate in important decisions about the child’s upbringing. It is important to act promptly because paternity establishment is often the first step in a broader custody or support case.

Can a mother file a paternity petition in New Kent County?

Yes, a mother may file a petition to establish paternity if the father is not voluntarily acknowledging the child. She can initiate the case in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to obtain a court order for genetic testing and, ultimately, a paternity determination. Establishing paternity allows the mother to seek child support and may also affect custody and visitation arrangements. Consulting an attorney early in the process can help a mother understand the procedural steps and the evidence needed.

What if the alleged father refuses to cooperate with genetic testing?

Virginia Code § 20‑49.5 provides that if a party refuses to comply with a court-ordered genetic test, the court may resolve the question of paternity against that party. The refusal can be treated as a basis for a default finding of paternity. The court has the authority to compel testing, and non‑cooperation may harm the refusing party’s legal position. An attorney can explain the potential consequences and assist in seeking the appropriate court orders to move the case forward.

How does paternity affect child support in Virginia?

Once paternity is legally established, both parents are responsible for supporting the child according to Virginia’s child support guidelines. The guidelines calculate support based on the combined gross income of the parents and the number of children, as set out in Va. Code § 20‑108.1. The court may also order health insurance coverage and a share of unreimbursed medical expenses. A lawyer can help ensure that the support calculation accurately reflects the parents’ financial circumstances and that the order is properly entered in New Kent County.

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

While you are not required to have a lawyer, paternity cases involve important legal rights that can affect custody, support, and the parent‑child relationship for years to come. An attorney can help you understand the statutory framework, prepare and file the correct pleadings, and present your case effectively in the New Kent County court. Legal guidance is especially valuable when paternity is contested or when the case involves cross‑state elements. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Learn more about family law representation in other Virginia localities:

Additional resources:

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