Paternity in New Kent County, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., which establishes the legal process for determining biological parentage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in New Kent County, including favorable outcomes in family law matters. A Paternity Lawyer New Kent County helps clients handle genetic testing, custody, and support obligations.
Paternity Lawyer New Kent County, Virginia
Paternity actions in Virginia are governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., which provides the legal framework for establishing biological parentage. The statute allows the court to order genetic testing and issue orders regarding custody, visitation, and child support. In New Kent County, these cases are heard at the New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (for custody and support) and the New Kent County Circuit Court (for divorce and equitable distribution). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For official statutory text, consult Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and New Kent County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, prosecutors and court staff routinely expect parties to have completed genetic testing before the first hearing. We have observed that cases proceed more efficiently when both parents voluntarily submit to testing early.
- File a paternity petition at the New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court may order genetic testing.
- Complete genetic testing through an approved laboratory.
- Review test results with your attorney.
- Attend a follow-up hearing to establish custody, visitation, and child support.
- Finalize the paternity order with the court.
In New Kent County, paternity actions carry no criminal penalties but establish legal obligations including child support, custody, and visitation rights under Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund interception |
| Failure to appear for genetic testing | Civil sanction | None | Court costs | None | Default paternity order may be entered |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects the firm’s commitment to client-centered representation. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in New Kent County: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 6 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County General District Court, with access via I-64 and Route 33. Serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and New Kent County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Cases filed at New Kent County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). New Kent County Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody in New Kent County is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at New Kent County Circuit Court.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against establish paternity charges?
Defense strategies for establish paternity in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing establish paternity charges in Virginia?
If facing establish paternity charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Learn more about our services: Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia (state hub). Explore related pages: Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Fairfax County, Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Greene County, and Domestic Violence Lawyer New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.