Paternity Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
Paternity is the legal identification of a child’s father, a determination that carries profound consequences for parental rights, child support, custody, and inheritance. In Brooklyn, New York, paternity matters are heard in the Kings County Family Court, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity to secure financial support or a father who wants to confirm his parental role and pursue custody or visitation, an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a multi-state family law practitioner who has represented clients in Brooklyn and throughout New York City for decades. He and his Of Counsel team understand the procedures of the Kings County Family Court and the importance of building a strong foundation for a child’s future. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What Paternity Means in Brooklyn, New York
Paternity determines the legal father-child relationship and triggers a range of obligations and rights under New York law. In Brooklyn, paternity can be established through a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form—signed at the hospital or later—or by filing a petition in Kings County Family Court. For married couples, the husband is presumed to be the father, but for unmarried parents, legal paternity must be affirmatively established before a father can assert custody or visitation rights, and before a mother can obtain a child support order.
Once paternity is confirmed, child support is calculated based on New York’s statutory formula: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children. The formula applies to combined parental income up to the statutory cap, with the court retaining discretion to award support above that cap. The Kings County Family Court also addresses custody and visitation as part of a paternity proceeding, always guided by the best interests of the child. Because paternity proceedings often involve DNA testing, financial disclosure, and complex family dynamics, having counsel who regularly appears in Brooklyn’s Family Court can make a significant difference.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle paternity cases for clients in all Brooklyn neighborhoods—including Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park—guided by the procedural requirements of the Kings County Family Court and the Family Court Act.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the process begins with a consultation to understand your specific circumstances—whether you are seeking to establish paternity to obtain support, defend against a paternity claim, or secure your rights as a father. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will review the facts, explain the available legal options, and outline the likely path forward in Kings County Family Court.
If paternity is in dispute, the court may order DNA testing, which the firm helps coordinate. The team then prepares the necessary petition and supporting documents, ensuring all filings comply with the Family Court Act and local court rules. Throughout the case, the attorneys work to resolve the matter efficiently—whether through negotiation and a voluntary acknowledgment or, if necessary, by presenting evidence at a hearing. They also address related issues such as temporary child support, custody, and visitation, working toward arrangements that serve the child’s welfare and the client’s objectives.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into trial preparation and courtroom advocacy, skills he applies in paternity and other family law matters.
Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team includes experienced family law attorneys who assist clients throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York City area. Collectively, they bring a depth of knowledge to paternity proceedings, from DNA-testing coordination to complex child-support and custody disputes. Every case benefits from the firm’s multi-jurisdictional perspective and its commitment to careful, client-focused representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is paternity established in Brooklyn?
Paternity in Brooklyn is established by signing a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form or by filing a petition in Kings County Family Court. The acknowledgment form, available at hospitals and the local registrar, legally identifies the father without a court hearing. If the parties disagree about paternity, a petition is filed in Family Court, which may order DNA testing. Once the court makes a finding of paternity, an order of filiation is issued, and the father’s name is added to the birth certificate. This order also allows the court to address child support, custody, and visitation.
Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case in Brooklyn?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney to file a paternity petition in Brooklyn, but having an experienced family law lawyer can protect your rights. Paternity cases can affect child support, custody, and visitation for years to come. An attorney can guide you through the procedural requirements of the Kings County Family Court, coordinate DNA testing, and advocate for a fair arrangement. For guidance specific to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does paternity affect child support in New York?
Once paternity is legally established, the court may order child support using New York’s statutory formula—17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, and so on up to a combined income cap of the statutory cap. The court also considers factors such as each parent’s income, childcare expenses, and health insurance costs. A paternity order is a prerequisite for obtaining child support from a father who was not married to the child’s mother. The Kings County Family Court has authority to set both current support and retroactive support in appropriate cases.
What happens if the father denies paternity?
If the alleged father denies paternity, the Kings County Family Court can order DNA testing to determine biological parentage. The court typically directs the mother, child, and alleged father to submit to genetic testing through an accredited laboratory. If the test shows a high probability of paternity, the court may enter an order of filiation. Refusing to comply with a court-ordered test can lead to the court drawing an adverse inference and potentially establishing paternity based on other evidence.
How long does a paternity case take in Brooklyn?
The timeline for a paternity case in Brooklyn depends on whether the parties voluntarily acknowledge paternity or litigate the issue through the court. An uncontested acknowledgment can be completed promptly, while a contested petition requiring DNA testing and a court hearing may take several months, depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve paternity proceedings as efficiently as the circumstances permit.
What rights does paternity give to a father in New York?
Once paternity is legally established, the father gains the right to seek custody and visitation, and also assumes the obligation to provide child support. Additionally, the child acquires inheritance rights from the father and may be eligible for benefits including Social Security and health insurance through the father’s employment. The father’s name is added to the child’s birth certificate. These rights and responsibilities are enforceable through the Kings County Family Court.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related Family Law Services in New York City:
- Manhattan Family Law Attorney
- Queens Family Law Lawyer
- Staten Island Family Law Attorney
- Nassau County Family Law Lawyer
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