Paternity Lawyer Westchester County, NY

You just received a notice of a paternity proceeding, or you need to establish parentage to secure child support, custody, or visitation. Your parental rights and financial obligations hinge on a correct legal determination. In Westchester County, New York, paternity matters are resolved in the Family Court at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in White Plains—or in the Supreme Court when connected to a divorce. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent mothers, fathers, and children in paternity actions throughout the county, including White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, and all surrounding communities. The firm has practiced family law in New York since 1997 and brings extensive experience to every parentage case. Reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Paternity Means in Westchester County, New York

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. When a child is born to married parents, New York law presumes the husband is the father. For unmarried parents, paternity must be established—either voluntarily through an acknowledgment or involuntarily through a court order. Once paternity is established, the father gains the right to seek custody and visitation, and both parents become subject to child support obligations. In Westchester County, these determinations directly affect families’ lives, and the Family Court applies New York’s Domestic Relations Law and Family Court Act to resolve disputes fairly.

Westchester County’s Family Court sits within the 9th Judicial District and handles the full spectrum of paternity filings: initial establishment petitions, genetic testing referrals, support proceedings, and challenges to acknowledgments. The court convenes in White Plains, making it accessible to families from every part of the county—from the Hudson River towns of Tarrytown and Ossining to the Sound Shore communities of New Rochelle and Rye. Because paternity issues often intertwine with custody, visitation, and divorce, having counsel who understands both the local court’s procedures and the broader New York statutory framework helps parents protect their rights without delay or misstep.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each paternity matter by first listening: who is seeking parentage, what relief is needed, and what consequences flow from a determination. The firm explains the entire process clearly, from filing a petition in the Westchester County Family Court to participating in genetic testing through a court-approved laboratory. If an acknowledgment of paternity is appropriate and both parties consent, the team prepares the necessary documents and guides clients through the execution. When the matter is contested, the team litigates diligently, preparing for hearings and presenting evidence on parentage and the best interests of the child.

Throughout the proceeding, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients understand how a paternity finding may affect child support calculations (which follow a statutory formula), custody schedules, and the ability to obtain parenting time orders. Because the firm is multi-state—admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—it is equally comfortable addressing cross-jurisdictional issues when the other parent lives outside New York. The firm’s goal is to resolve paternity matters efficiently so that families can move forward with clarity about their rights and responsibilities.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which he established in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings years of courtroom experience to family law disputes, including paternity litigation. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His legislative involvement and thorough knowledge of family law statutes inform the firm’s approach to each case. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Working alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute significant experience in family law matters. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to paternity cases. Results may vary. The team serves parents across Westchester County from the firm’s New York location, offering consultations by appointment—call (888) 437-7747 to reach us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is paternity establishment in New York?

Paternity establishment is the legal process of naming a man as a child’s father. In New York, it can be done voluntarily by both parents signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity, or involuntarily through a court proceeding in the Family Court. Once paternity is established, the father’s name appears on the child’s birth certificate, and he gains both rights and obligations—including the ability to seek custody or visitation, and the duty to pay child support. For unmarried parents, establishment is often the first step toward resolving a full range of family law issues.

Why is establishing paternity important in Westchester County?

Establishing paternity secures a legal parent-child relationship, which is essential for child support, custody, inheritance, and medical benefits. Without legal paternity, a father has no enforceable right to visitation or custody, and the child has no legal claim to support from him. In Westchester County, the Family Court frequently ties paternity to support proceedings and parenting plans. For mothers, paternity establishment is often necessary to obtain a child support order and ensure both parents share in the child’s financial needs.

How is paternity established in the Westchester County Family Court?

A party may file a petition in the Westchester County Family Court, and the court may order genetic testing if parentage is disputed. If the test shows a probability of 95% or higher, New York law presumes paternity. If both parents agree, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity without genetic testing. The court may also hold a hearing if one party challenges the test results or if the acknowledgment is contested. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through each step, from initiating the petition to appearing in court.

Can paternity be established if the father lives in another state?

Yes, New York courts can establish paternity even when the alleged father resides outside New York. The Family Court may obtain jurisdiction over an out-of-state father through long-arm statutes if certain conditions are met, such as a history of sexual intercourse in New York that may have resulted in the child’s conception. The court can also order genetic testing and issue support orders that are enforceable under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, licensed in multiple states, handle cross-jurisdictional paternity matters efficiently.

What rights does a father have after paternity is established in New York?

Once paternity is legally established, a father gains the right to petition the court for custody and visitation, and the obligation to support the child financially. He may also have a say in important decisions affecting the child, such as medical care and education, depending on the custody arrangement. The court determines custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child, not solely on parentage. The father also becomes entitled to notice of any future proceedings involving the child.

How do I find a paternity lawyer in Westchester County, NY?

Start by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. A paternity lawyer can explain your legal options, help you file the correct petition in the Westchester County Family Court, and represent you throughout the process. Look for an attorney with experience in New York family law and specific familiarity with the 9th Judicial District’s procedures. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have practiced family law since 1997 and represent clients across Westchester County. For guidance on your specific situation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

Primary legal resources:
New York Domestic Relations Law |
Westchester County Family Court |
New York State Unified Court System

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