New York Paternity Attorney

Understanding the Importance of Paternity in New York

Establishing paternity is beneficial for mothers and fathers. If you are a mother, establishing paternity allows you to seek child support. If you are the father, establishing paternity allows you to seek visitation rights or even custody of your child. Paternity does not guarantee these rights – it simply allows you to pursue them in court. If you are ready to establish the paternity of your child, a paternity lawyer at Eiges & Orgel, PLLC can help you understand your options.

Eiges & Orgel, PLLC can help you through the process of establishing paternity. Contact us for a consultation: (347) 848-1850!

Child Benefits from Legal Paternity Recognition

Married couples share the obligation to support their children. By establishing paternity, unmarried couples can ensure their children are provided this same protection and care. Other benefits to the child include:

• Reassurance that both parents want to be involved in the child’s life
• The name of the child’s father will appear on the child’s birth certificate
• If available, the child can receive medical coverage from either parent
• The child will have access to his / her family and medical history

Fathers' Rights and Paternity in New York

If your child was born out of wedlock, you may have to take legal action to establish yourself as the father. When a child is born to married parents, the law presumes that both spouses are the natural parents of the child. If the marriage ends in divorce, the court will recognize the rights of both parents in respect to the children. But if you and the mother were never married, you may find yourself in a difficult position when seeking to assume your role as a parent.

Unmarried fathers who face opposition from the mother in being involved with the children can get help from a New York paternity attorney. Your attorney can help you file a petition with the court to obtain legal recognition as a father. This may require you to get a DNA test for you and the child. Once you have been named as the father, you will have an opportunity to seek child custody or visitation rights. Our firm will do everything we can to remove any barriers in your way.

Advocating for Mothers in Paternity Disputes

Eiges & Orgel, PLLC also represents mothers' rights during a paternity action. If you are seeking to prevent an abusive or dangerous individual from obtaining the rights of paternity, we can fight on your behalf. You may also want to prove that a man who denies paternity is the father in order to obtain needed child support. Whatever the case, we will consult with you about your objectives in order to best serve your interests. We provide personalized service to our clients.

Prenatal & Postnatal DNA Testing

There are a variety of paternity tests, which be divided into two groups: prenatal and postnatal DNA tests. Prenatal tests are conducted before the child is born and are usually more expensive than postnatal testing. Postnatal DNA testing is also less complicated, and usually involves a simple cheek swab, blood test or umbilical cord collection test.

There are three types of prenatal DNA testing:

• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• SNP Microarray

Amniocentesis testing is conducted in the second trimester of pregnancy. In this procedure, doctors use an ultrasound and needle to extract a small amount of amniotic fluid. CVS testing will not be performed without doctor consent. In this test, the doctor inserts a thin tube or needle through the mother's cervix to collect a small sample of chorionic villi.

This sample is tested to determine who the child's biological father is. SNP Microarray is a less invasive form of testing. Instead or inserting a needle in the mother's womb, this type of test determines who the child's father is by examining the child's DNA as it is found naturally in the mother's bloodstream. This DNA test is approximately 99.9% accurate.

Costs and Considerations for DNA Paternity Testing

According to the American Pregnancy Association, paternity testing usually costs between $400 and $2,000. Cost is typically determined by location and the type of test. Although you may be able to find less expensive options, it is important to choose an accredited testing center or laboratory. According to the American Pregnancy Association, facilities that are AABB accredited are recommended. Test results are usually available within several days.

Legal Steps to Establish Paternity in New York

Unmarried parents have two options for establishing paternity:

• Acknowledgement of Paternity form
• Court petition

Acknowledgement of Paternity forms are available at hospitals (immediately after the birth of the child), local birth registrars, or local district child support offices. If either parent has any concerns about the identity of the child biological father, he or she should submit a petition with the court to confirm paternity.

Establishing Paternity in New York City: Navigating Local Resources and Challenges

Living in New York City comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to establishing paternity. The bustling environment and diverse population mean that every family situation is different. At Eiges & Orgel, PLLC, we understand the intricacies of navigating paternity issues in NYC and are here to help you through the process.

For residents of the five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, local government resources can be invaluable. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides Acknowledgement of Paternity forms at hospitals right after the birth of a child. Additionally, local birth registrars and district child support offices are available to assist with the necessary paperwork.

One common pain point for New Yorkers is the high cost of living, which can make the financial support provided through child support even more critical. Establishing paternity is the first step in ensuring that your child receives the support they need. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father looking to secure visitation rights, our firm is well-versed in the local legal landscape and can guide you through the necessary steps.

Another challenge specific to NYC is the busy court system. Filing a petition to establish paternity can be a daunting task, but our attorneys are familiar with the Family Court system in all five boroughs. We can help you file your petition efficiently and effectively, ensuring that you have the best chance of a favorable outcome.