Paternity & Parental Rights
Establishing and protecting your parental rights.
Our Paternity Services
Establishing paternity is essential for securing parental rights and obligations. Whether you're a mother seeking to establish support, a father wanting to assert custody rights, or a child seeking to establish parentage, we provide comprehensive legal assistance.
Paternity Services We Provide
Paternity Establishment Petitions
DNA Testing Coordination
Acknowledgment of Paternity
Paternity Defense
Custody Rights for Unmarried Fathers
Child Support Establishment
Visitation Rights
Name Change Petitions
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
Legal right to custody and visitation
Child support obligations and rights
Access to father's medical history
Inheritance rights for the child
Social Security and veteran benefits
Health insurance coverage
Our Process
Consultation
Discuss your situation and determine the best approach for establishing paternity.
Filing
File paternity petition with family court or complete voluntary acknowledgment.
DNA Testing
If needed, arrange court-ordered genetic testing to establish biological parentage.
Court Order
Obtain court order establishing paternity and related custody/support orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is paternity established in New York?
Paternity can be established through voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity signed by both parents, or through a court order following a petition and DNA testing.
Can an unmarried father get custody?
Yes, once paternity is established, an unmarried father has the same custody rights as a married father. The court will consider the child's best interests in determining custody.
What if I'm not the biological father?
If you've signed an acknowledgment of paternity, you generally have 60 days to rescind it. After that, you may need to petition the court to vacate the acknowledgment based on fraud, duress, or genetic testing.
Get Help With Paternity & Parental Rights
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your paternity & parental rights matter with an experienced family law attorney.