The Basics On New York Paternity Cases

A variety of family law issues turn on the identity of the biological father of a child. It is important that you retain an experienced Buffalo paternity lawyer at to protect your rights and those of your child.

When Is Paternity An Issue?

Paternity is presumed by law when the purported father is married to the mother at the time of birth. The question of paternity may arise, however, in a variety of situations:

• Child support. When a child is born out of wedlock, the alleged father’s obligation to support the child will depend on whether the mother can establish paternity.
• Divorce. Paternity can become an issue in a divorce when there have been allegations of infidelity.
• Other issues. Inheritance rights and immigration status often turn on questions of paternity.

Because these issues may affect you and your child for many years to come, you need a respected attorney in Buffalo who understands the stakes and knows how to get results.

How Paternity Is Established In New York

If the parents were not married when the child was born, paternity may be established by:

• Acknowledgment. The father may admit paternity, and a written acknowledgment is filed with the birth registrar in the city or county where the child was born.
• Court order. When paternity is challenged by the alleged father, family court may hear a proceeding to prove or disprove paternity.

When determining paternity, courts typically hear scientific evidence, such as results of DNA or another biological testing. The court must order such tests. They are rarely conclusive, except to rule out the putative father. They do yield statistical likelihoods, however. The court, in making a legal determination of paternity, considers these likelihoods.

A paternity lawyer must be familiar with the specialized evidence involved in these cases. I have the knowledge and experience to represent you when the paternity of your child is at issue.

Contact A Respected Paternity Attorney In Buffalo

Put responsibility where it belongs. Call me today toll free at 716-249-0175, or contact me online. handles family matters with care.

For your convenience, appointments may be scheduled during flexible hours. My office is centrally located in downtown Buffalo, one block from the family and supreme courts. We serve clients in Buffalo and throughout Erie and Niagara counties.