New York Paternity

Paternity refers to the state or condition of being a father. History shows that the question of paternity has always been important, especially when determining a child's right to an inheritance as well as their right to be supported by their father.

In New York State, paternity is established through the Family Court. However, paternity issues can be handled and determined in other courts as well. When a child is born out of wedlock, both parents are responsible for supporting the child, in which case, determining paternity has significant legal implications for the father.

In cases where paternity is denied by the birth father or the birth mother, a proceeding to determine the child's paternity can be conducted by either party. The paternity will be established at a judicial hearing, without the involvement of a jury.

The advent of DNA testing has greatly impacted the course of paternity hearings. DNA tests have taken much of the guesswork out of paternity hearings and saved the courts a significant amount of time. When the test indicates there is a 95% probability of paternity, paternity is then established. Once the paternity is officially established, the courts can move forward and award child support for the child.

A Long Island Paternity Lawyer Can Help

In New York State, even if you and the child's mother both know and agree that you are the father; you still are not the legal father unless you are married. In order for you to become the legal father, both you and the child's mother need to complete a voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity.

If the mother of your child was married to somebody else before, during or after her pregnancy, or after the child's birth, you will have to go to court in order to establish paternity if you desire visitation or custody rights.

Paternity is a very serious issue. If you need help establishing paternity, whether you are a mother or a father, a Long Island paternity attorney at the Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates can help you with your paternity matter so you can reach an accurate determination about the paternity of your child in a timely manner.

Contact a Long Island Paternity Lawyer from our firm today for a free consultation.