Paternity in Henrico County is governed by Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., establishing legal fatherhood for purposes of custody, visitation, and child support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Henrico County. A Paternity Lawyer Henrico County can guide you through the process of establishing paternity, including genetic testing and court proceedings.
Paternity Lawyer Henrico County, Virginia
Paternity in Virginia is established under Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq., which provides the legal framework for determining the biological father of a child. This process is essential for establishing legal rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation, and child support. In Henrico County, paternity cases are heard in the Henrico County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court for custody and support matters, and the Henrico County Circuit Court for divorce-related paternity issues. 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: May 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the paternity statute, see Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit Henrico County J&DR Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Henrico County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, prosecutors routinely request genetic testing at the initial hearing. We have observed that judges often set a deadline for test results within 30 days.
- File a petition to establish paternity at the Henrico County J&DR Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court may order genetic testing.
- Complete genetic testing through an approved laboratory.
- Attend a follow-up hearing to review test results.
- If paternity is confirmed, the court issues a final order.
- Finalize custody, visitation, and child support arrangements.
In Henrico County, paternity cases under Va. Code § 20-49.1 et seq. carry no criminal penalties but establish legal obligations including child support, custody, and visitation rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Establish Paternity | Civil Matter | None | None | None | Court may order genetic testing; child support obligations |
| Contested Paternity | Civil Matter | None | None | None | Court may order genetic testing; potential for custody/visitation disputes |
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 — our firm is committed to providing full legal representation in paternity and family law matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from Henrico County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, with access via I-64 and I-95. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity in Henrico County
How long does a divorce take in Henrico County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Henrico County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Henrico 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. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in Henrico 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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Henrico 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). Henrico County Circuit Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Henrico County, Virginia?
Custody in Henrico 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. Henrico County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Henrico County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances)
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 Henrico County Circuit Court. 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
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.
For more information, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia page. Explore related services: Family Law Lawyer Augusta County, Family Law Lawyer Caroline County, and Consumer Protection Lawyer Henrico County.
Last verified: May 2026