Paternity Lawyer Kings County, NY

A paternity proceeding in Kings County (Brooklyn) affects the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved—the child, the mother, and the person alleged to be the father. Whether you need to establish parentage to secure child support, obtain custody or visitation, or defend against a petition that names you, the outcome can shape a child’s future and your legal obligations for years. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in paternity matters before the Kings County Family Court. The firm’s New York location serves individuals and families throughout Brooklyn, including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, and surrounding neighborhoods, from a by-appointment location in Buffalo. To discuss how a paternity petition may affect your situation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Paternity Means in Kings County, NY

Under New York law, paternity is the legal determination that a man is a child’s father. When parents are married at the time of a child’s birth, the spouse is presumptively the legal parent. When the parents are not married, paternity must be established—either voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or through a court proceeding. In Kings County, paternity petitions are filed in the Family Court, which has jurisdiction over parentage, custody, visitation, and child support matters.

The Kings County Family Court handles a significant volume of paternity cases each year. Brooklyn’s dense, diverse population means that the court regularly sees petitions involving genetic testing, challenges to acknowledgments, and disputes over parental rights. Because the court’s calendar can be packed, working with an attorney who understands local practice and can present your case efficiently is important. The court can order DNA testing, schedule hearings, and ultimately issue an Order of Filiation that establishes legal parentage. Once parentage is legally determined, the court may also address custody, parenting time, and child support.

A paternity ruling in Kings County can have far-reaching consequences. Legal fathers acquire the right to seek custody or visitation; they also become responsible for child support. Children gain access to benefits such as health insurance, inheritance rights, and Social Security. Because the stakes are high, careful preparation and a clear understanding of the court’s procedures are essential.

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

When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a paternity matter, the first step is a consultation. During that conversation, the attorney learns the facts—whether there is already an Acknowledgment of Paternity, whether genetic testing has been done, whether the child was born during a marriage, and what each party is seeking. The firm’s approach is built on careful fact-gathering and a realistic assessment of the client’s legal position.

If a petition needs to be filed or answered, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare all required documents for the Kings County Family Court. They handle service of process, arrange for DNA testing when it is ordered, and represent clients at every court appearance—from the initial conference through any hearings or settlement negotiations. The goal is to resolve the matter as clearly and efficiently as the court’s calendar allows. In cases where the parties can agree, the firm works to draft a stipulation that the court can approve without a contested hearing. When agreement is not possible, the firm is prepared to present evidence and advocate for its client’s interests at trial.

Because paternity often leads directly to custody and support proceedings, the firm’s attorneys treat each paternity matter as the foundation for a broader family-law resolution. They help clients understand not only the immediate parentage question but also what will follow—whether that means negotiating a parenting plan, calculating child support under the applicable statutory guidelines, or addressing related issues such as relocation or modification.

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

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes trial work and an understanding of how evidence is gathered and presented in court—a perspective that is useful in paternity matters where the facts may be contested.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. They assist clients with the many procedural steps involved in a paternity proceeding, from the filing of the petition through any related custody or support litigation. The firm’s New York location serves clients in Kings County and throughout the state. All consultations are by appointment; to schedule, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a paternity petition in Kings County Family Court?

A paternity petition is a legal request asking the court to determine whether a person is the biological and legal father of a child. In Kings County, a mother, a person claiming to be the father, the child through a guardian, or a representative of the Department of Social Services may file a petition. The court can order genetic testing, hold a hearing, and issue an Order of Filiation if parentage is established. Once the order is entered, the legal father gains rights while also becoming obligated to provide child support.

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

You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal representation helps protect your rights and ensures that you understand the consequences of the court’s orders. A paternity ruling can affect custody, visitation, and child support for years. An attorney can explain the Family Court process, help you gather evidence, prepare for hearings, and negotiate agreements. Self-represented litigants must still comply with court rules, and missing a deadline or failing to appear can have serious consequences.

How does the court establish paternity when the parents disagree?

When the parties disagree, the Kings County Family Court will typically order DNA testing. The test, usually a buccal swab, is analyzed at an accredited laboratory. If the results show a high probability of paternity, the court may enter an Order of Filiation. A party can challenge the test results, but courts generally accept scientifically reliable evidence. The court may also consider other evidence, such as testimony about the relationship between the parties.

Can a paternity case affect a custody or support case?

Yes, a paternity determination is often the first step before a custody or child support case can proceed. Once legal fatherhood is established, the father can petition for custody or visitation. The court can also set child support based on the state’s statutory formula. Because paternity, custody, and support are intertwined, the court may address multiple issues in a single proceeding, and a ruling on parentage will directly affect all related matters.

What should I bring to a consultation about a Kings County paternity matter?

Bring any documents that relate to the child and the other parent. This includes the child’s birth certificate, any existing Acknowledgment of Paternity, results of prior DNA testing, and any court papers you have received or filed. Also bring financial information—pay stubs, tax returns, and records of expenses—because the discussion may turn to child support. Having these documents ready allows the attorney to give you a more informed assessment of your case. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Authoritative resources:
New York State Unified Court System – Kings County |
New York Domestic Relations Law |
New York Family Court Act

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. The firm’s New York location is at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. By appointment only. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent. No legal outcome is promised. (888) 437-7747.