Paternity Lawyer Richmond County, NY

When paternity is at issue in Richmond County—whether to establish a parent‑child relationship for custody, support, or inheritance, or to challenge an assertion of parentage—the matter requires careful handling under New York law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in paternity proceedings before the Richmond County Family Court, helping mothers, fathers, and children resolve parentage questions in a way that protects legal rights and family stability. Our New York location serves the borough’s neighborhoods—from St. George and New Dorp to Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, and Port Richmond—and we appear regularly at the courthouse at 18 Richmond Terrace, near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, leads our family‑law practice, drawing on decades of courtroom experience to guide Richmond County families through paternity matters. To speak with us about your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding Paternity in Richmond County, New York

Paternity cases in Richmond County are generally heard in the Family Court, which shares the historic courthouse at 18 Richmond Terrace with the New York Supreme Court. The Family Court has jurisdiction over proceedings to establish parentage under Article 5 of the New York Family Court Act, as well as related orders for child support, custody, and visitation. For many families on Staten Island, a paternity determination is the first step toward securing a child’s right to financial support, access to medical history, and a legal connection to both parents.

New York law provides several ways to establish paternity. An unmarried mother and father may sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity, which has the same effect as a court order when properly filed. When the parties do not agree, the court may order genetic testing and, based on the results, enter an Order of Filiation. Once paternity is legally established, the Family Court can address child support under the Child Support Standards Act, as well as custody and visitation pursuant to the best interests of the child standard. The court sits in the St. George area, accessible via the Staten Island Ferry, the Staten Island Railway, and major bus routes, and handles a substantial volume of family matters each year. Navigating these procedures effectively requires an understanding of both the statutory framework and the local practice before the Richmond County Family Court.

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

Every paternity matter is fact‑specific. The team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. begins by gathering the relevant documents—birth records, any existing acknowledgment forms, correspondence between the parties, and evidence of the relationship—and evaluating which avenue best serves the client’s objectives. In many cases, we work to resolve parentage through a voluntary acknowledgment when both sides agree, which can avoid the time, expense, and emotional strain of litigation. When agreement is not possible, we prepare for a formal hearing before a Family Court support magistrate or judge.

If genetic testing is needed, we coordinate with accredited laboratories and ensure the chain of custody is properly maintained. At a court hearing, we present the evidence, examine witnesses, and argue why the court should—or should not—enter an Order of Filiation. After paternity is determined, we continue to represent clients in the follow‑up proceedings that often flow from a filiation order, such as petitions for child support, custody, or parenting time. Throughout the process, we aim to keep the focus on the well‑being of the child while protecting the legal rights of the parent we represent.

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

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after serving as a prosecutor. His background in trial work informs the firm’s approach to family‑law litigation, including contested paternity hearings where cross‑examination and evidentiary skill are critical. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience across multiple practice areas, allowing the firm to handle the full range of issues that can arise when parentage is in dispute. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys draw on extensive combined legal experience in representing clients in Richmond County and throughout New York.

The firm is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey, and serves the diverse communities of Staten Island. Staff members speak English, Spanish, and Tamil. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a paternity case?

A paternity case is a legal proceeding to determine the biological father of a child and to establish the father’s legal rights and responsibilities. In New York, paternity cases are brought in Family Court under Article 5 of the Family Court Act. Establishing paternity can affect child support, custody, visitation, inheritance rights, and access to family medical history. Either parent or the child’s guardian may file a petition.

How is paternity established in New York?

Paternity may be established by a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity signed by both parents, or through a court order after genetic testing. The acknowledgment form is typically completed at the hospital when the child is born, but it can also be filed later. If a party refuses to sign or there is a dispute, the Family Court can order DNA testing and, if the results show a high probability of paternity, enter an Order of Filiation.

Do I need a lawyer for a paternity matter in Richmond County?

While you are not required to have a lawyer, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the procedural requirements and protect your parental rights or financial interests. Paternity cases often involve complex evidence, cross‑examination of witnesses, and sensitive family dynamics. A lawyer can also assist with the related issues—child support calculations, custody petitions, and visitation schedules—that commonly follow a filiation order.

What happens after paternity is established?

Once an Order of Filiation is entered, the Family Court can address child support, custody, and visitation. The parentage determination allows the child to receive financial support from both parents under the Child Support Standards Act. It also gives the father the ability to seek custody or parenting time, and the child may gain rights to inheritance, health insurance, and Social Security benefits through the father.

Where are paternity cases heard in Richmond County?

Paternity cases in Richmond County are heard in the Family Court, located at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The building also houses the New York Supreme Court. The court is accessible via the Staten Island Ferry, the Staten Island Railway, and local buses. Our New York location represents clients at this courthouse and can provide directions when you schedule an appointment.

How do I reach the firm about a paternity issue in Staten Island?

You can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your paternity matter. The firm offers consultations by appointment and serves clients throughout Staten Island, including St. George, New Dorp, Great Kills, Tottenville, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Our New York location handles cases in all five boroughs and across the state.

Official resources:
Richmond County Supreme Court website •
New York Family Court Act, Article 5 (Paternity) •
New York City Family Court

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