Va. Code » Title 20. Domestic Relations » Chapter 3.1. Proceedings to Determine Parentage
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 20-49.7 (2026)

Civil actions

✓ current as of May 2026
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An action brought under this chapter is a civil action. The natural parent and the alleged parent are competent to testify. Testimony of a physician concerning the medical circumstances of the pregnancy and the condition and characteristics of the child upon birth shall not be privileged. Bills for expenses incurred for pregnancy, childbirth and genetic testing shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein, without requiring third-party foundation testimony if the party offering such evidence is under oath.

1988, cc. 866, 878; 1997, cc. 792, 896.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 1988–1996 · leading case: Travis Lloyd Gifford, etc. v. David B. Dunkum (Va. Ct. App. 1996).
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Travis Lloyd Gifford, etc. v. David B. Dunkum (Va. Ct. App. 1996). “Code § 20-49.7. See Code § 16.1-296(F). Thus, the circuit court proceedings are to conform to civil equity practice.”
Travis Lloyd Gifford, etc. v. David B. Dunkum (Va. Ct. App. 1996). “Code § 20-49.7. See Code § 16.1-296(F). Thus, the circuit court proceedings are to conform to civil equity practice.”
David B. Dunkum v. Brenda Lee Gifford (Va. Ct. App. 1996). “Code § 20-49.7. See Code § 16.1-296(F). Thus, the circuit court proceedings are to conform to civil equity practice.”
Commonwealth v. Dyson, 13 Va. Cir. 242 (1988). “4 sets the standard of proof in these cases as being by "clear and convincing evidence," clearly a civil standard, and § 20-49.7 specifically states that these actions are civil in nature.”
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