Paternity Actions for Child Support or Custody Rights
When unmarried parents split up, they still have rights and obligations regarding any children they created together. A petition to establish paternity is the first step to establishing child support or custody and visitation rights.
The family law attorneys of Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, represent mothers and fathers in New York's Hudson Valley in paternity actions. We help clients determine paternity one way or the other and then petition the court regarding financial support and/or have represented mothers and fathers seeking to verify parentage, as well as men who wish to challenge paternity. Contact us today for a free phone consultation.
Establish Paternity in New York | DNA Test
A DNA test is considered conclusive proof under New York law that a man is or is not the father. We can help arrange the paternity test or, if necessary, compel the reputed father to submit to it.
- An unmarried man who is not the father has no obligations to the child, but also no rights to visitation. A married man is presumed to be the baby's father unless proven otherwise through a DNA test in the early stages of the child's life.
- An unmarried man who is the father can be ordered to pay child support, including back support.
- An unmarried mother can be compelled to share custody with the biological father unless there is a convincing reason otherwise such as registered sex offender status.
If there are any unusual circumstances, our lawyers can help you present those issues to the court.
Poughkeepsie Paternity Attorneys
Many times unmarried parents had an unpleasant breakup or had only a short-term relationship, and find themselves in uncomfortable territory over child support or visitation. We can explain and enforce your rights while helping you find a workable parenting arrangement that builds trust and serves the child's best interests.
We represent fathers and mothers in paternity proceedings, with three convenient office locations in the Hudson Valley. Contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our family law attorneys.
Thomas Davis is the contributing attorney to this content.
