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Paternity Attorneys in Staten Island

Staten Island Divorce Lawyer for Paternity Cases

Are you a parent who needs to establish the paternity of your child in order to collect child support? Have you been alleged to be the father of a child for whom you want to determine paternity? We can guide you through the legal process of establishing or disproving paternity of a child. If you need to establish the paternity of your child in Staten Island, Brooklyn, or in the New Jersey counties of Monmouth or Middlesex, you can do so with our legal assistance.

Paternity Cases With Staten Island Divorce Attorneys

The Paternity process legally establishes the biological father of a child when it is uncertain or has not been previously established. Paternity arises as a legal issue in cases of child support, but it can also be an issue when it comes to other family law areas, such as adoption, custody, visitation, inheritance, and health care. In New York, clear and convincing proof of paternity is required. This proof can be accomplished through DNA testing.

DNA testing is usually required when one party contests the allegations of paternity. An alleged father may contest paternity when required to pay child support payments for a child he believes is not his. A mother may contest paternity when a father tries to gain custody or visitation rights to a child which he believes is his. Paternity can also be established through circumstantial evidence, such as when a man accepts a child as his own and raises the child. If he does not contest the paternity of this child during a certain time period, then he may be considered the legal father and be responsible for the child's financial support.

Paternity matters have lifelong financial and emotional implications for all parties involved. It is important to have a full understanding of your legal rights before you admit or deny paternity of a child. We can help protect your legal rights and fully inform you of the legal consequences of your paternity issue.

Contact us today for legal counsel regarding any paternity case.

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!

Can My Spouse Transfer Property or Remove My Name From Insurance Policies During Our Divorce Proceedings?

In September 2009, the New York State legislature enacted new Automatic Restraining Orders which prevent parties from incurring unreasonable debt, spending unreasonable amounts of money, with the exception of the payment of regular bills and reasonable legal fees, from transferring property, removing or terminating insurances, etc. during the divorce. These orders are automatically binding upon the plaintiff, and become binding upon the defendant, once he or she is served with the documents initiating the divorce.
Where Can I File My Divorce Paper Work?

If you are currently engaged in an uncontested divorce then you can file your divorce papers at the County Clerk’s Office, or online using the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System. However, many times this isn’t the case and you need an attorney that will guide you through your divorce. Contact my firm today for more information.
Can I Start a Divorce Against My Spouse When I Reside in New York, but My Spouse Does Not Reside in the Country?

The short answer to this question is, generally, yes, however, this is a complicated issue and it is important for you to speak with an experienced attorney about the issues of service of process on your spouse pursuant to international law. When the country in which your spouse is to be served is a signatory to the Hague Service Convention, the documents to be served will need to be translated into the official language of that country and presented to a Central Authority authorized to effectuate service in that country. This is often a lengthy process, which includes the translation of legal documents, shipping of those documents abroad, and locating your spouse. Attorney Dow has experience organizing the service of international process and welcomes the opportunity to help you serve your internationally located spouse.