Paternity Law Attorney

Paternity Law Attorneys on Staten Island, New York

When it comes to paternity, the law is very clear. If you are alleged to be the father of a child, you have certain parental rights and responsibilities. The first thing to do if the question of paternity arises is hire a knowledgeable paternity law attorney. The complexities of contesting paternity, for any reason, can affect a person in many ways for years to come. The effects might be financial. They might be emotional. They might be relational.

At Soren Law Group, our paternity law attorneys understand the importance of paternity cases and are here to help you through every step of the legal process. Paternity laws can be complex, and the consequences of a paternity determination can be far-reaching. That is why it is important to have an experienced family law attorney on your side.

Paternity

We have represented many clients in paternity cases, both mothers and fathers, and we have the experience and knowledge to help you with your case. We will work with you to determine the best strategy for your particular situation and fight for the best possible outcome. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

In New York, paternity cases are filed with the Family Court. You can file a paternity case if you are:

the child’s mother,

the child’s father,

the child, or

a support enforcement agency.

A paternity action is a legal proceeding to determine the father of a child. A child support action is a financial support that a court may order the father to pay the mother for the care and support of their child.

The consequences of paternity depend on the particular situation and circumstances. In general, however, if paternity is established, the father may be required to pay support for the child and may have rights to visitation or custody. Additionally, the father’s name will be added to the child’s birth certificate.

If you are unsure if you are the child’s father, you can request a paternity test. A paternity test is a scientific way to determine whether or not you are the father of the child. Paternity tests are usually done through DNA testing. Fatherhood can also be established through a voluntary acknowledgement of parentage form, which is a legal document that both the mother and father sign. The legitimacy of a child born through artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization can also be determined through paternity testing.

According to Article 5 of the Family Court Act, a paternity case may be started at any point during the mother’s pregnancy or after the baby is born, but not later than 21 years unless the father somehow acknowledges his paternity or pays the child support. The requirements and deadlines for paternity actions are different in every state, so it is important to consult with a paternity law attorney in your area to determine the specific rules and regulations.

NYC Paternity Law Attorney | Experienced Legal Representation for Paternity Cases

The Soren Law Group has been handling paternity disputes in Staten Island for over 20 years. Our experience and knowledge of state law are unmatched, and we will use everything at our disposal to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. We understand how emotionally charged these cases can be, and our paternity attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.

If you are facing a paternity case in Staten Island, contact the Soren Law Group today to schedule a consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your options. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Establishing Paternity

In New York, paternity is presumed if a child is born to a married woman. If the parents are not married, the father’s name does not appear on the birth certificate, and paternity has not been established in any other way, then paternity must be established before the father will have any legal rights or responsibilities for the child.

Establishing the paternity of a child is something that may need to happen for a myriad of reasons. Maybe a mother needs to establish paternity in order to receive child support. A father might want to have paternity established in order to gain visitation rights to a child he believes is his. Adoption, inheritance to a large estate, and health considerations are also all reasons paternity may be called into question. A paternity petition may also be filed if there is a disagreement over who the father of the child is.  If you are alleged to be the father of a child, and you do not believe that you are the father, you have the right to contest paternity.

Given the complex nature of contesting paternity, and the potential long-term effects it may have on all parties involved, it’s important to know your legal rights and the consequences of any decisions you make regarding this process. With the help of a paternity law attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you make the best decisions for your future.

If you are looking for a divorce lawyer experts that you can trust, Soren Law is the best for you!
Call Soren Law Now (718) 815-4500

What do I do if I need to establish paternity?

There are several ways to establish paternity in New York. The most common is through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, which is a form that can be signed by the mother and father. A newborn’s mother and father will also be given the opportunity to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital. The acknowledgement of paternity can also be done at a later time by visiting the child support office or the vital records office in your county. Once this form is signed and filed with the appropriate state agency, it is considered legal proof of paternity.

Paternity establishment can also be done through DNA testing, which is generally done through a blood test or a cheek swab. DNA tests are considered conclusive proof of paternity and can be used to establish child support obligations. DNA test results can also be used to disprove paternity if the test results show that the man is not the child’s father.

Paternity can also be established through evidence based on circumstance. If a man raises a child as his own, he may be considered the child’s legal father and deemed responsible for the child’s care – financial, physical, and otherwise. A paternity law attorney can help you understand your legal rights and obligations if paternity is called into question.

Child Support Obligations

Once paternity has been established, the father has a legal obligation to support the child. Child support enforcement is handled by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The child support payments are calculated using a formula that considers both parents’ income and the number of children involved.

The amount of child support can be modified if circumstances change, such as a change in income or the addition of another child to the family. Child support modifications must be approved by the court, and they are generally retroactive to the date of the change in circumstances. New York State Child Support Services can help with the process of modifying a child support order.

If you have questions about paternity establishment, child support, or modifications to a child support order, it’s important to speak with an experienced paternity law attorney. A paternity lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in court if necessary.

Child Visitation and Child Custody Rights

Paternity also establishes visitation and custody rights for the father. These rights can be established through court order or through an agreement between the parents. If the parents cannot agree on visitation and custody arrangements, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests. The court will consider factors such as the relationship between the child and the father, the child’s preference, and the ability of the parents to cooperate in raising the child.

A paternity attorney can help fathers assert their rights and create a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interests. Fathers should not hesitate to seek legal assistance if they have difficulty getting visitation or custody of their child.

Staten Island Paternity Lawyers - Contact us!

The family law attorneys at the Soren Law Group can help you establish or contest paternity, child support, visitation, and custody rights. Our paternity attorneys will work with you to protect your rights and interests, and we will work with you to establish a parenting plan to ensure that your child’s best interests are met. Paternity proceedings can be emotionally charged, and we will work with you to resolve your case in a way that is respectful to your family.

Local to Staten Island, the team here at Soren Law is close by and ready to support you through this process. Contact us today!

rights lawyer | paternity rights | attorney's | dad | stepfather | stepmother | guardian | marriage | mom | single | unmarried | grandparents | grandparent | co-parent | family law firm | advice | information | attorney-client relationship | issues | couple | matters | individuals | paternity suit | divorce process | newborn | parent | guardian | stepfather | stepmother | guardianship | son | daughter | husband | wife | individuals | paternity suit | paternity leave | order of filiation | department of social services | divorce | court proceeding | issues | state law | social security | child support interactive | child benefits | adoption proceedings | acknowledgments | accordance | responsibility | hearing | judge | food | clothing | individual | marriage | documents | statements | forms | writing | hospitals | health insurance | dad | daddy | | genes | heredity | in-vitro | mom | offspring | papa | paternity leave | step- | uncle | verification | information | advice | age | interest | states | issue | inheritance rights | doubt | petitions | recognition | sex couples | consent | identity | courts | definitions | divorce lawyers | answers