Paternity Lawyer Nassau County

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents parents in Nassau County, New York in paternity matters, including establishing legal parentage, contesting a claimed acknowledgment, and addressing the custody, visitation, and support issues that follow from a paternity determination. New York law has moved toward “parentage” terminology in recent years, but the framework for these cases still traces back to Article 5 of the Family Court Act, historically titled “Paternity Proceedings.” Understanding which terminology applies, and when, matters because it affects how a case is framed and litigated. The firm’s intake line is staffed 24/7, and prospective clients can call (888) 437-7747 to request a scheduled consultation. The firm does not offer free consultations and does not guarantee any particular outcome in any paternity matter.

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From “Paternity” to “Parentage” in New York Law

The Child-Parent Security Act renamed the heading of Family Court Act § 516-a from “acknowledgment of paternity” to “Acknowledgment of parentage,” reflecting a broader shift in how New York law describes the legal relationship between a parent and child. That change did not eliminate the word “paternity” from the Family Court Act generally: Article 5 of the Family Court Act, which houses § 516-a along with the jurisdictional and support provisions in its Part One, is still titled “Paternity Proceedings.” As a practical matter, a paternity case and a parentage case under Article 5 refer to largely the same body of law, and clients in Nassau County may see either term used depending on the document, the court, or the specific section of the statute at issue.

Establishing Paternity and the Acknowledgment Rescission Window

When parents are not married at the time of a child’s birth, paternity is commonly established either by a signed and filed acknowledgment of parentage under FCA § 516-a or through a Family Court paternity proceeding under Article 5. A signed acknowledgment can be rescinded within 60 days of signing, or by the date of a related proceeding requiring an answer, whichever comes first, with an extended window for a signatory who was a minor at signing. Once that period passes, the acknowledgment can generally be set aside only on proof of fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact. Because a paternity determination affects support obligations and standing to seek custody or visitation, both establishing and contesting paternity carry consequences that extend well beyond the paternity proceeding itself.

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

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which was founded in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris attended George Mason University, where he developed a background in accounting and information systems. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in Nassau County paternity matters arising under Article 5 of the Family Court Act, including acknowledgment rescission and contested paternity proceedings.

The firm’s principal office is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and the firm does not maintain a physical location in Nassau County. Meetings are by appointment, and the firm’s intake line is staffed 24/7 so prospective clients can request a scheduled consultation by calling (888) 437-7747. The firm does not offer free consultations, and no outcome in a paternity matter can be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “paternity” still used in New York law, or has it been replaced by “parentage”?

Both terms remain in use. Family Court Act § 516-a was renamed from “acknowledgment of paternity” to “Acknowledgment of parentage,” but Article 5 of the Family Court Act, which contains § 516-a, is still titled “Paternity Proceedings.”

How is paternity established in New York?

Paternity is commonly established either through a signed and filed acknowledgment of parentage under FCA § 516-a or through a paternity proceeding in Family Court under Article 5 of the Family Court Act.

Can I rescind an acknowledgment of paternity I already signed?

Generally, yes, within 60 days of signing or by the date of a related proceeding requiring an answer, whichever is earlier. That window is extended for a signatory who was a minor at the time of signing.

What happens if I want to challenge paternity after the rescission window closes?

After the rescission window closes, a challenge to a filed acknowledgment generally requires proof of fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact.

Where are paternity proceedings handled for Nassau County residents?

Paternity proceedings involving Nassau County residents are generally handled in Nassau County Family Court under Article 5 of the Family Court Act.

Does a paternity determination affect child support and custody?

Yes. A paternity or parentage determination establishes the legal relationship that supports a duty of child support and standing to seek custody or visitation.

Does the firm offer a free consultation for paternity matters?

No. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. does not offer free consultations. Prospective clients can call (888) 437-7747 to request a scheduled consultation.

This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.

Attorney Advertising. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., principal office: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

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