Paternity Lawyer Manhattan, NY
You just learned that a child may be yours, and a petition to establish paternity has been filed with the New York County Family Court at 60 Centre Street. Maybe you want to be part of the child’s life and secure your visitation rights. Or you need to challenge a claim that could saddle you with financial obligations you cannot afford. In either situation, the legal process moves quickly and the stakes—custody, support, and the fundamental parent-child bond—are among the highest a court can decide. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients in Manhattan paternity matters, and you can reach them at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
How a Paternity Lawyer Can Help
A paternity action in New York Family Court is not merely about a DNA test. It determines a child’s legal father and, once established, triggers a cascade of rights and obligations: custody, visitation, child support, health insurance, and inheritance. A lawyer who concentrates in family law can help you understand the full picture before you take a position that may affect you for years.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team focus on building a strategy tailored to your goals—whether that means proving paternity voluntarily to secure parental rights, disputing an allegation through genetic marker testing, or negotiating a consent order that addresses support and parenting time in one structured agreement. They prepare for the legal and practical consequences from the first consultation, so you do not overlook a future obligation like medical support or life insurance requirements that New York law may impose upon a determination of parentage.
What to Expect in New York County Family Court
Paternity cases in Manhattan are heard in the New York County Family Court, located at 60 Centre Street. The process often begins with a petition filed by the mother, the child’s guardian, or the person claiming to be the father. The responding party receives a summons and must appear on the date set by the court.
At the initial appearance, the court may order genetic testing if paternity is contested. If the test confirms a probability of paternity at the statutory threshold, the court will issue an order of filiation. That order legally establishes the father-child relationship, and the court will then address custody, visitation, and support. For mothers and fathers alike, the experience is emotional and, without experienced counsel, can be confusing because the Family Court operates under different procedures than the Supreme Court, where divorce matters are heard. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in Manhattan Family Court and guide clients through each step.
Legal Consequences of Establishing Paternity
An order of filiation has immediate and long-term legal effects. The father becomes responsible for child support calculated under New York’s statutory formula, which considers combined parental income. The child gains the right to inherit from the father and may be eligible for benefits such as Social Security and health insurance through the father’s employer. A father also gains the right to seek custody or visitation—but those are separate proceedings the court will schedule after paternity is resolved.
If you are the respondent and the petition is granted, the support obligation typically begins retroactively to the date the petition was filed. If you are the petitioner seeking to establish paternity, you must understand that securing your parental rights may also require you to contribute financial support. The court’s orders are enforceable through income withholding, suspension of licenses, and other mechanisms. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to structure orders that are fair, realistic, and in the child’s best interests, while protecting their client’s legal position.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel attorneys share his commitment to representing clients with thorough preparation and clear communication.
Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to paternity and other family law matters. Results may vary. They appear in Manhattan Family Court and work to achieve favorable outcomes for clients facing the stress of a parentage dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is paternity established in New York?
A paternity case in New York is typically started when a petition is filed in Family Court by the mother, a person claiming to be the father, or the child’s guardian. If the parties agree, they can sign an acknowledgment of paternity, which has the same legal effect as a court order. If there is a dispute, the court will order genetic testing. After the test results, if the court issues an order of filiation, the father is legally recognized and the court will then address custody and support. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can walk you through each option. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case in Manhattan?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having experienced counsel is strongly recommended because paternity proceedings involve complex legal consequences that affect your finances and family relationships for years. A lawyer can ensure you understand the full implications before you agree to anything, help you gather evidence, and present your case effectively if the matter goes to a hearing. Family Court procedures are specific, and a misstep can result in an order that is difficult to modify later. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Can I get custody or visitation rights if I am the legal father?
Yes, once paternity is established, you have the right to petition for custody or visitation. The court will decide based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s relationship with you, your ability to provide a stable home, and your willingness to encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent. However, you should act promptly after the order of filiation, because the court may not automatically schedule a custody hearing unless you request it. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you assert your parental rights. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What if I am not the biological father but a paternity petition names me?
If you dispute paternity, you can request genetic testing to challenge the allegation. The court will order a DNA test, and if the results exclude you as the biological father, the petition will be dismissed. If you have been served with a summons and do not respond, the court may enter a default order finding you to be the father, which would make you liable for support. Therefore, it is critical to appear on the court date and consult with a lawyer immediately. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your defense.
How is child support calculated after paternity is established?
New York uses a statutory formula: the non-custodial parent pays a percentage of the combined parental income—17% for one child, 25% for two, and so on—on income up to the statutory cap, with the court having discretion to award additional support above that cap. The court also considers expenses for health insurance, unreimbursed medical costs, and child care. Support orders can be enforced through wage garnishment and other collection methods. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can help you understand the likely support obligation based on your specific financial circumstances. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can paternity be established if the father lives outside New York?
Yes, the New York Family Court can hear a paternity case if the child or the mother lives in New York, even if the alleged father resides in another state or country. The court may need to serve the father through approved interstate or international service methods. If service is valid and the court determines it has jurisdiction, it can issue an order of filiation enforceable in New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience handling cross-border family law matters. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.
What happens if I signed an acknowledgment of paternity and now want to challenge it?
You can challenge an acknowledgment of paternity in court, but the grounds are limited and you must act within the time frame set by law. Generally, you would need to show fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence required to file a petition to vacate the acknowledgment. Because the time limits are short, you should speak with an attorney as soon as you decide to challenge the acknowledgment. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your options.
Does the mother automatically get custody after paternity is established?
No, establishing paternity does not automatically give either parent custody; the court decides custody based on the child’s best interests. If the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court will hold a hearing to determine where the child will live and how visitation will be structured. The father has the same legal standing to seek custody as the mother once paternity is confirmed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you present your case for custody or a favorable visitation schedule. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Contact a Paternity Lawyer in Manhattan
If you are facing a paternity action or need to establish your rights as a father, speak with an attorney who understands New York Family Court and the personal impact of these cases. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel team.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
(888) 437-7747
Serving clients in Manhattan from the firm’s New York location.
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