Paternity Lawyer Putnam County, NY

Paternity matters in Putnam County determine a father’s legal relationship with a child—and with it, the rights and obligations that shape custody, visitation, and child support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents parents and putative fathers in paternity proceedings throughout New York. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly before the Putnam County Family Court, handling voluntary acknowledgments, contested genetic-testing cases, and the child-support and parenting-time orders that follow. Whether you seek to establish a legal bond with your child or need to respond to a paternity petition, experienced counsel can help you navigate the process and work toward a resolution that protects your interests. To request a consultation, reach the firm’s New York location at (888) 437-7747.
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What Paternity Means in Putnam County, New York

In New York, a child’s legal father is not automatically the biological father—paternity must be established when the parents are not married. Proceedings are governed by the New York Family Court Act and related provisions of the Domestic Relations Law, and in Putnam County they are heard at the Putnam County Family Court in Carmel. The court has authority to order genetic testing, issue a declaration of paternity, and enter orders of child support, custody, and visitation.

A mother, a putative father, or the child may file a petition. If both parents agree, paternity can be established administratively through an Acknowledgment of Paternity form signed at the hospital shortly after birth. When the parties do not agree, the court typically requires DNA testing; a genetic test showing a high probability of paternity will support a court order establishing legal fatherhood. Once paternity is determined, the father’s name is placed on the child’s birth certificate, and the full range of parental rights and responsibilities attaches. Putnam County Family Court retains jurisdiction over subsequent child-support modifications and custody disputes, making the initial paternity determination a foundational step for any future family-law matter. Because the consequences are lasting—affecting inheritance, social security benefits, and access to medical history—it is important to handle the proceeding accurately and fully. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the Family Court’s procedures and regularly assist clients through each stage of a paternity case in Putnam County.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Paternity Cases

Every paternity case begins with an assessment of the client’s goals: establishing parental rights for a father seeking custody or visitation, ensuring accurate child support for a mother, or responding to a petition that the client disputes. The firm’s approach is fact-driven. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys gather the relevant documentation—birth records, prior acknowledgments, any informal support arrangements—and advise the client on the most direct route to a legally enforceable result.

When the matter is uncontested, the firm assists with preparing and filing the necessary paperwork to secure an order establishing paternity, often without the need for a prolonged court appearance. In contested cases, the focus turns to DNA testing. The firm coordinates with accredited laboratories, explains the evidentiary weight of the results, and, if the test confirms paternity, moves the court for the appropriate order. Where testing excludes paternity, the firm works to have the petition dismissed promptly. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys keep the client informed of procedural deadlines and the likely timeline, which varies depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter. While no outcome can be past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, the firm’s goal is a resolution that establishes the legal relationships correctly and supports the best interests of the child and the client.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation since 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York and regularly appears in state and federal courts across those jurisdictions. His legislative experience includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He leads a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who collectively bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle paternity and related family-law matters under the supervision of Mr. Sris. Their background includes courtroom advocacy, negotiation, and representation in Putnam County Family Court and other New York tribunals. By drawing on both prosecutorial insight and decades of civil practice, the firm works to achieve well‑reasoned outcomes for each client.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in New York?

Paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity form signed at the hospital, or by filing a petition in Family Court and obtaining a court order after DNA testing. If both parents agree, the AOP is the simplest method; it is usually signed before the child leaves the hospital and has the force of a court order. When the parties disagree, the court will direct genetic testing, and the results form the basis for a judicial declaration of paternity. Once established, the father’s parental rights and support obligations become legally enforceable.

What rights does a father gain after paternity is determined in Putnam County?

Once paternity is legally established, a father gains the right to seek custody and visitation and assumes a legal duty to pay child support. The Putnam County Family Court can enter orders addressing both parenting time and financial support. The father’s name is added to the birth certificate, and the child becomes eligible for inheritance, Social Security benefits, and health-insurance coverage through the father. The father also has the right to be heard in any future proceeding concerning the child’s welfare.

Can I challenge a paternity petition if I do not believe I am the father?

Yes—you have the right to contest a paternity petition and request DNA testing before any order is entered. The Family Court will order a genetic test, and if it excludes you as the biological father, the petition will typically be dismissed. If you have already been named as the father on an Acknowledgment of Paternity, there are narrow time limits to revoke it; after that, you would need to petition the court to vacate the acknowledgment based on fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. Consulting an attorney early helps protect your rights.

How does child support get calculated once paternity is confirmed?

New York uses a statutory formula based on a percentage of the parents’ combined income. The Child Support Standards Act applies a percentage to the combined parental income up to a statutory threshold—17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children. The court may deviate from the formula in certain circumstances, but the guidelines provide the starting point. Paternity must be legally established before the court can enter a support order.

Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case in Putnam County?

You are not required to hire an attorney, but the legal consequences of a paternity determination are permanent and can be complex. An experienced paternity lawyer can help you understand the procedural rules of the Putnam County Family Court, ensure genetic testing is handled correctly, and advocate for fair custody and support orders. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys offer consultations to discuss your specific situation. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

For official court information:
Putnam County Family Court •
New York Domestic Relations Law

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Results may vary.