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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>70927</law_id><section_number>20-49.3</section_number><catch_line>Admission of genetic tests</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="20">Domestic Relations</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="3.1">Proceedings to Determine Parentage</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> In the <span class="dictionary">trial</span> of any matter in any <span class="dictionary">court</span> in which the question of parentage arises, the <span class="dictionary">court</span>, upon its own <span class="dictionary">motion</span> or upon <span class="dictionary">motion</span> of either <span class="dictionary">party</span>, may and, in cases in which child support is in <span class="dictionary">issue</span>, shall direct and <span class="dictionary">order</span> that the alleged parents and the child submit to scientifically reliable genetic tests including blood tests. The <span class="dictionary">motion</span> of a <span class="dictionary">party</span> shall be accompanied by a sworn statement either (i) alleging paternity and setting forth <span class="dictionary">facts</span> establishing a reasonable possibility of the requisite sexual contact between the parties or (ii) denying paternity. <a id="paragraph-255768" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/20-49.3/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> The <span class="dictionary">court</span> shall require the person requesting such genetic test, including a blood test, to pay the cost. However, if such person is <span class="dictionary">indigent</span>, the Commonwealth shall pay for the test. The <span class="dictionary">court</span> may, in its discretion, assess the costs of the test to the <span class="dictionary">party</span> or parties determined to be the parent or parents. <a id="paragraph-255769" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/20-49.3/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> The results of a scientifically reliable genetic test, including a blood test, may be admitted in <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> when contained in a written report prepared and sworn to by a duly qualified expert, provided the written results are filed with the clerk of the <span class="dictionary">court</span> <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> the case at least fifteen days prior to the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> or <span class="dictionary">trial</span>. Verified documentary <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> of the chain of <span class="dictionary">custody</span> of the blood specimens is competent <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> to establish the chain of <span class="dictionary">custody</span>. Any qualified expert performing such test outside the Commonwealth shall consent to <span class="dictionary">service of process</span> through the Secretary of the Commonwealth by filing with the clerk of the <span class="dictionary">court</span> the written results. Upon <span class="dictionary">motion</span> of any <span class="dictionary">party in interest</span>, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may require the person making the analysis to appear as a <span class="dictionary">witness</span> and be subject to cross-examination, provided that the <span class="dictionary">motion</span> is made at least seven days prior to the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> or <span class="dictionary">trial</span>. The <span class="dictionary">court</span> may require the person making the <span class="dictionary">motion</span> to pay into <span class="dictionary">court</span> the anticipated costs and fees of the <span class="dictionary">witness</span> or adequate security for such costs and fees. <a id="paragraph-255770" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/20-49.3/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1988, cc. 866, 878; 1989, c. 598; 1992, c. 516; 1997, cc. 792, 896.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
