Henrico County Paternity Test Lawyer — What Are Your Legal Rights?
Establishing paternity in Henrico County is a legal process governed by Virginia law, often requiring a court-ordered DNA test. A paternity test lawyer Henrico County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for fathers seeking to establish rights and mothers needing to secure child support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Paternity and DNA Testing in Virginia
Paternity establishes the legal father-child relationship, creating rights and responsibilities for child support, custody, visitation, and inheritance. In Virginia, paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or involuntarily through a court order. When paternity is disputed, the court will order genetic testing. A DNA paternity testing lawyer Henrico County can guide you through this process, from filing the initial petition to presenting the test results in Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
The primary statute governing this area is the Virginia Uniform Parentage Act, found in Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. (official Virginia General Assembly). The court has the authority to order genetic testing upon a showing of good cause. The Henrico County J&DR Court handles all paternity establishment cases.
- File a Petition to Establish Paternity (or a Complaint for Support/Custody) with the Henrico 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 DNA test at a court-approved laboratory. The results are sent directly to the court and parties.
- Attend a final hearing where the judge reviews the test results and enters an order of paternity, which establishes legal fatherhood and can address support, custody, and visitation.
Why Legal Guidance is Critical for Paternity Cases
handling a paternity case without a lawyer can lead to missed deadlines, improper filing, and unfavorable court orders that affect your rights for years. A genetic testing for paternity lawyer Henrico County ensures the testing is conducted properly, the chain of custody is maintained for court admissibility, and your legal position is protected. The outcome directly impacts child support obligations, custody rights, and the child’s access to benefits like health insurance, social security, and inheritance.
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
Case Results and Firm Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy drives a focused approach to family law. In Henrico County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris provides valuable strategic oversight on complex family law matters, leveraging his unique background in accounting and information systems for cases involving financial analysis.
Paternity Test Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent parents in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
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 only.
Paternity Test Lawyer Henrico County FAQ
Can I be forced to take a paternity test in Virginia?
Yes. The Henrico County J&DR Court can order genetic testing if there is a question of paternity in a child support, custody, or visitation case. Refusing a court order can result in the court deciding paternity against you.
How accurate are court-ordered DNA paternity tests?
Modern genetic testing is extremely accurate, typically showing a probability of paternity at 99.9% or higher if the tested man is the biological father, and 0% if he is not. Courts accept these results as conclusive evidence.
How long does a paternity case take in Henrico County?
It depends. An uncontested case with voluntary testing can resolve in a few months. A contested case requiring court hearings and testing can take 6 to 12 months, depending on the court’s docket and case complexity.
What if the alleged father lives in another state?
Virginia can establish paternity over an out-of-state parent under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). The process involves coordinating with courts in the other state, which a paternity test lawyer Henrico County can manage.
Can a paternity test be done before the baby is born?
Yes. Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) testing is available using a blood sample from the mother. However, Virginia courts may require a postnatal test for official legal establishment. Discuss options with your lawyer.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in Henrico County and DUI defense in Chesterfield.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.