Long Island Paternity Lawyers

For many parents, nothing is more important than establishing paternity for their children. If you’re looking to establish paternity, our legal team is here to help. Contact the dedicated Long Island family lawyers here at Sklavos Law Group, PC for comprehensive representation through each step of the paternity process today.

Why Should I Establish Paternity?

Establishing paternity is a crucial step that benefits everyone involved—the child, the father, and even the mother. For the child, it creates a legal bond with their father, offering emotional security, a sense of identity, and access to essential benefits such as health insurance, inheritance rights, and Social Security or veteran’s benefits, if applicable. For fathers, it solidifies their rights to seek custody, visitation, and a meaningful role in their child’s life. Mothers also benefit from the legal clarity, as it ensures shared responsibilities and potential financial support from the father. Ultimately, paternity provides the foundation for legal and emotional connections that promote the well-being of the entire family.

How Do I Establish Paternity in NYS?

In New York State, there are two primary ways to establish paternity: through a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or by obtaining an Order of Filiation from the court.

• Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): This is a voluntary process where both parents sign a legal document affirming the father’s paternity. This form is typically completed at the hospital shortly after the child’s birth, but it can also be signed later at a local Department of Social Services office or a child support agency. Both parents must agree to sign, and once filed, it has the same legal effect as a court order.
• Order of Filiation: If there is uncertainty or disagreement about paternity, either parent—or even the child through a representative—can petition the Family Court for an Order of Filiation. This process may involve DNA testing to confirm biological parentage. Once the court determines paternity, the order is legally binding, and the father gains rights and responsibilities as a parent.

Each method serves to ensure that paternity is established accurately and fairly, setting the stage for legal recognition and support.

What Happens Once I Establish Paternity?

Once paternity is established, several legal rights and responsibilities come into effect. The father gains the ability to seek custody or visitation, fostering a deeper relationship with the child. He is also obligated to contribute to the child’s financial needs through child support, helping to ensure the child’s well-being. For the child, established paternity opens the door to critical benefits, including access to the father’s health insurance, potential inheritance rights, and other financial or legal entitlements.

Additionally, paternity often creates a stronger emotional connection within the family unit, giving the child a sense of identity and belonging. From a legal standpoint, it also resolves any ambiguities about parental roles, ensuring both parents can play an active part in the child’s life.

Contact Our Skilled Paternity Lawyers

Here at Sklavos Law Group, PC, we believe in the importance of establishing paternity–both for parents and their children. This is why we are dedicated to helping families streamline the process so they can focus on what matters most–parent-child relationships. If you’d like to establish paternity, please don’t hesitate to contact the knowledgeable Long Island family lawyers at Sklavos Law Group, PC today.