Paternity Lawyer Henrico County — How to Establish Fatherhood and Protect Your Rights
Establishing paternity in Henrico County is a legal process to name a child’s legal father under Virginia law. A paternity lawyer Henrico County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file a petition, request genetic testing, and secure parental rights and responsibilities.
What Is Paternity and How Is It Established in Virginia?
Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. In Virginia, paternity can be established voluntarily when both parents sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, or involuntarily through a court order. The legal process is governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., which outlines the procedures for filing a petition, genetic testing, and entering a final order of parentage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in family law.
Official Virginia Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-49.1 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia law on establishment of paternity.
- Henrico County J&DR Court – Court website for paternity and custody matters.
The Process for Establishing Paternity in Henrico County
An establish fatherhood lawyer Henrico County handles cases filed at the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The court is located at 4301 East Parham Road. A key local procedural fact is that the court often orders genetic testing through an approved lab if paternity is disputed. The results are highly accurate and can be critical evidence.
- File a Petition: A Petition to Establish Paternity and for Related Relief is filed with the Henrico J&DR Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The other parent must be formally served with the court papers.
- Attend the Initial Hearing: The judge will address temporary orders and may order genetic testing.
- Complete Genetic Testing: If ordered, all parties and the child provide DNA samples.
- Attend the Final Hearing: The court reviews test results and enters a Final Order of Paternity.
- Address Ancillary Issues: The order will address custody, visitation, and child support.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities After Paternity Is Established
In Henrico County, a court order establishing paternity grants the father legal rights to seek custody or visitation and creates a duty to provide financial support through child support.
| Legal Right/Responsibility | Description | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Decision-Making | Right to be involved in major decisions about the child’s welfare, education, and health. | Va. Code § 20-124.2 |
| Custody & Visitation | Right to petition the court for a custody and visitation schedule. | Va. Code § 20-124.1 |
| Child Support | Obligation to provide financial support based on Virginia guidelines. | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Inheritance Rights | The child gains inheritance rights from the legal father. | Va. Code § 64.2-302 |
| Health Insurance | The father may be ordered to provide health insurance for the child. | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Henrico County Paternity Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients. We have a documented 93%+ favorable outcome rate across thousands of cases. For paternity matters, we understand the sensitive nature of establishing family ties and work to protect your relationship with your child.
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
Documented Case Results in Henrico County
Our firm has 21 total documented case results in Henrico County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate locally. While every case is unique, our experience in Henrico courts is a resource for your paternity case. For instance, Of Counsel attorney Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, has successfully represented clients in the Henrico General District Court on related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Paternity Lawyer Near Henrico County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve 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
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Paternity Law in Henrico County: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I establish paternity in Henrico County?
You file a petition in the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A paternity lawyer Henrico County can handle the filing, represent you in hearings, and ensure genetic testing is properly conducted if needed.
Can a mother get a paternity test without the father’s consent?
Yes. A mother can file a petition to establish paternity. If the alleged father denies paternity, the court can order genetic testing. A paternity test lawyer Henrico County can petition the court to compel the test, which is usually done via a cheek swab.
What if the alleged father lives in another state?
It depends. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) allows Virginia courts to establish paternity for a child living in Virginia, even if the alleged father lives elsewhere. An experienced paternity lawyer can handle interstate jurisdiction issues.
How long does a paternity case take?
An uncontested case with a signed Acknowledgment of Paternity can be resolved quickly. A contested case requiring genetic testing and hearings typically takes 3 to 6 months in Henrico County, depending on court scheduling.
What rights does a father have after paternity is established?
Once paternity is established by court order, the father gains the legal right to seek custody or visitation, must pay child support, and has a say in major decisions affecting the child’s life, such as education and healthcare.
Related Legal Help in Henrico County
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State-level hub for family law matters.
- Family Law Lawyer Chesterfield County – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Henrico County – Related legal service in the same area.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your paternity case.