The Elliot Green Law Offices are paternity lawyers in Brooklyn, New York who help individuals and families resolve a range of paternity issues. Paternity issues can arise when a mother gives birth to a child out of marriage. Or, paternity issues can arise if a mother is married, but the father of the child is not her husband. Finally, paternity issues can arise if the mother is unsure who the father of the child might be. Paternity can established in three different ways in Brooklyn, New York.
- If a couple is married when a child is born, the state will automatically assume that the married couple are the parents of the child.
- If a couple is unmarried when a child is born, the father can sign an acknowledgement of paternity when the child is born.
- The mother, the father, the child, a public welfare agency, or a guardian of the child may have the right to ask the courts to establish paternity.
If you are unmarried and your child is born in New York, it is important to understand that the child will have no legal father unless paternity is established. Why is it important to establish paternity? Establishing paternity can ensure that the child has two legal parents. It can ensure that the father’s right to visit and make decisions for the child are preserved. Finally, establishing paternity can assist the mother in seeking child support. According to the New York Government website, establishing paternity is beneficial for the child because it allows the child to have both parents on his or her birth certificate, provides the child with important information about his or her medical history, and ensures that the child will enjoy financial support from both parents, including access to social security, veteran’s benefits, inheritance rights, and child support. If you need to establish paternity in Brooklyn, New York and have questions about the process or are unsure where to begin, consider speaking to the Elliot Green Law Offices, paternity lawyers in Brooklyn, New York today.
How to Establish Paternity in New York
In New York, there are three ways to establish paternity. If you are married and the father of the child is married to the mother, there is no additional step parents need to take to establish paternity. However, if the parents are unwed, the father can sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity form. An Acknowledgement of Paternity form cannot be signed if the mother was married at any point during her pregnancy. Finally, if neither of these options are possible (or if the mother was married during her pregnancy and the father is not the husband), a court petition can be made to establish paternity. If paternity is unclear or if the father refuses to acknowledge paternity, the court may order that the mother, child, and father all submit to DNA tests. These tests can acknowledge paternity. According to the New York Government website, if there is any doubt about the father of the child, parents may want to take genetic tests to establish paternity.
Mothers may have certain concerns about their rights when it comes to acknowledging paternity. For example, acknowledging paternity doesn’t mean that the father will automatically receive custody rights to the child, though the father may request visitation. Mothers who want no contact with their child’s father can still acknowledge paternity. However, if your case involves domestic violence, rape, incest, or violence, you may want to speak to the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York to protect your legal rights when seeking paternity.
Child Support and Paternity Law in Brooklyn, NYC
Establishing paternity gives the mother the right to seek child support from the father in Brooklyn, New York. Child support is determined based on the income of both parents using formulas set by the state of New York. Parents can apply for child support services through the New York Government website. Parents may also choose to create parenting plans whereby both parents agree to cover additional needs of the child, such as college education funds and activities. Child support guidelines may not consider additional costs children may have once they turn 18. However, the state sets minimum child support guidelines and any amount above this would need to be worked out independently. If you have questions about child support, or if you are having trouble getting child support from a child’s father, you may have certain rights under the law. The Elliot Green Law Offices are paternity lawyers in Brooklyn, New York who may be able to help you seek child support for your child’s needs. Contact our firm today to learn more.
Hire the Paternity Lawyers at the Law Offices of Elliot Green
Establishing paternity grants rights to both parents and to the child. Every child should be able to know his or her parents and every child has the right to receive support from both parents. If you need assistance with establishing paternity and with child support in Brooklyn, New York, contact the Law Offices of Elliot Green today. Our firm may be able to help you.
