Determining paternity is one of the most challenging family law issues to resolve. Whether you are a mother aiming to establish paternity for child support purposes or a father wishing to exercise his parental rights, Aiello & DiFalco, LLP is here to assist.
Our firm has extensive experience handling paternity cases in the Nassau County family court. When you partner with us, we will work to protect your parental rights and prioritize your best interests. Even though unwed parents frequently agree on paternity, disputes can arise.
Failing to address paternity promptly means your rights and responsibilities may be determined, without the opportunity for a paternity test. You can depend on our skilled attorneys to guide you through initiating or contesting a paternity case. Reach out to us for a consultation today.
The Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Resolving paternity is a critical first step in many family law scenarios. Whether you’re a mother seeking to establish paternity to secure child support or a father keen on affirming his rights over his child, our team is well-prepared to support you. We regularly guide clients through paternity matters in the family courts in Nassau County and all of Long Island and will work to defend your parental rights and protect your interests.|
Disagreements over paternity, while not common, do occur, and delaying the resolution of these disputes can fix your rights and duties without the clarity a paternity test provides. Our attorneys are adept at guiding clients through both pursuing and challenging paternity actions.
How Do I Establish Paternity in Nassau County?
In New York, establishing paternity can be achieved in two primary ways: signing a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity” or initiating a paternity lawsuit in family court.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
For unwed parents in agreement on the father’s identity, a straightforward method to legally establish paternity is to complete a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity” form. Both parents must sign this document either at the time of the child’s birth or soon thereafter, affirming the signatory as the child’s legal father.
Two individuals unrelated to the parents must witness the signing to validate the acknowledgment. Once this acknowledgment is signed and the signatory begins to undertake the responsibilities of fatherhood, such as providing support, it becomes challenging to contest paternity later.
Paternity Lawsuit
If there is disagreement or uncertainty about the biological father’s identity, a paternity lawsuit may be the necessary course of action. In New York, the following parties are eligible to file for a paternity action:
- The child’s mother
- The presumed father
- A relevant government agency
- The child or representative acting on the child’s behalf
This legal process involves the family court mandating a DNA test for the mother, child, and presumptive father to determine a biological link. A positive result can legally establish the father-child relationship, laying the groundwork for determining the father’s rights and responsibilities.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that proving paternity is just the first step towards securing parental rights, necessitating the guidance of a seasoned paternity lawyer to navigate the complexities of the law and advocate for your interests in court.
How Our Firm Can Help With Your Paternity Case
At Aiello & DiFalco, we represent both mothers and fathers in paternity cases. We have a track record of securing favorable results for our clients both in negotiations and in court.
For mothers seeking to establish paternity, our firm offers comprehensive support. We are committed to ensuring that you successfully establish paternity to secure child support, along with additional benefits for your child, such as eligibility for health insurance.
Fathers looking to assert their parental rights will find invaluable assistance with our team. For those not married to the child’s mother, we navigate the paternity action process to gain legal acknowledgment as the child’s father. This legal acknowledgment opens the door to pursuing custody or visitation rights, while also highlighting the responsibility to provide child support.
We understand the emotional toll paternity actions can bring. Our goal is to alleviate the stress associated with these proceedings, striving for peaceful resolutions whenever possible. Our priority is to safeguard your parental rights and ensure your child receives the necessary care and support. Trust Aiello & DiFalco to guide you through your paternity case with compassion and professionalism.
Contact Our Experienced Nassau County Paternity Attorneys
If you need assistance establishing paternity, trust Aiello & DiFalco to guide you. We will leverage our skills and experience to find the best solution for you and your child. When you consult with us we will listen to your concerns and address those concerns by providing you compassionate, effective representation. Above all, we will provide objective insights so you can make informed decisions about the way forward. Contact our office today to set up an appointment.