Paternity Proceedings Attorneys in Suffolk County

Helping Clients Establish Paternity in New York

Paternity sometimes must be legally established before a child support order can be enacted. Our Suffolk County paternity proceedings lawyers have extensive experience handling these cases. Since 2003, we have provided dedicated and aggressive legal representation, guiding clients through each step while prioritizing their needs. When you hire The Meyers Law Group, P.C., you can be sure your needs are our priority.

Do you need help with paternity proceedings in Suffolk County? Contact The Meyers Law Group, P.C. online or at (631) 496-1484.

How to Establish Paternity in New York

There are three primary ways to establish paternity in New York. When a child is born to a legally married couple, the husband is presumed to be the father. If the parents are unmarried at the time of the child’s birth, they may sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity, or AOP. An AOP is especially important for fathers who wish to maintain their parental rights. A court may also order genetic marker or DNA testing.

Our paternity attorneys in Suffolk County, New York, can assist with:

• Filing the required acknowledgment
• Paternity disputes
• Rebuttal of presumed paternity
• Court-ordered paternity testing

Who Can File a Paternity Petition?

A paternity petition may be filed by:

• The child’s mother
• A man who believes he is the father
• The child or the child’s guardian
• The Department of Social Services when the child receives public assistance

A child may bring a paternity proceeding until age 21, and a petition may be filed in some circumstances after the alleged father has died.

The petition may be filed in the New York Family Court for the county where either the petitioner or respondent lives. The court doesn’t charge a filing fee for a paternity case.

Acknowledgment of Paternity Deadlines & Challenges

Once signed and unchallenged, the document establishes legal paternity and liability for child support without further judicial or administrative proceedings. For unmarried parents, signing it has significant legal consequences and requires a clear understanding of the rights it establishes.

A person who was at least 18 when signing may petition to rescind it within 60 days or before the deadline to respond in a related proceeding, whichever occurs first. After that period, it may be challenged in court only on the grounds of fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact.

The Suffolk County Family Court Process

In Suffolk County, the court has exclusive original jurisdiction over proceedings to establish paternity. After a petition is filed, the respondent must be served with a summons and a copy of the petition. If the respondent can’t afford a lawyer, the respondent has the right to assigned counsel at no cost.

The court can hold hearings, consider evidence, and order genetic testing when paternity remains disputed. If the matter proceeds to trial, a judge hears the case without a jury and issues a ruling based on the evidence and applicable law.

Once paternity is legally established, you can address child support, custody, and visitation. For unmarried parents, an Order of Filiation or signed acknowledgment legally identifies the father and provides the basis for addressing parental rights and responsibilities. Though these cases are often emotionally charged, establishing legal paternity benefits everyone involved and helps ensure that both parents are responsible and contributing to the well-being of the children involved.

Contact Our Paternity Attorneys in Suffolk County Today

At The Meyers Law Group, P.C., we tailor legal representation to the needs of you and your family. Our attorneys and staff coordinate each case to ensure no step is missed. We provide the aggressive representation you need from a paternity lawyer in Suffolk County.

For a free case consultation with an experienced paternity proceedings attorney, contact our Suffolk County family law firm at (631) 496-1484.