Bergen County Paternity Case Lawyer — How to Establish Fatherhood and Protect Your Rights
A paternity case in Bergen County determines the legal father of a child, impacting custody, support, and inheritance rights. Under New Jersey law, establishing paternity is a critical step for both parents. If you need to confirm or challenge fatherhood, a skilled paternity case lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is a Paternity Case in New Jersey?
Paternity is the legal establishment of a man as the father of a child. In New Jersey, paternity cases are governed by statutes like the New Jersey Parentage Act (N.J.S.A. 9:17-38 et seq.). These cases are essential for assigning parental rights and responsibilities, including child support, custody, visitation, and the child’s right to benefits like Social Security or inheritance. Without a legal determination, a biological father may have no rights to parenting time or decision-making.
Last verified: March 2026 | Bergen County Family Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Resources on Paternity Law
For authoritative information, refer to the official New Jersey statutes and court resources. The New Jersey Parentage Act (N.J.S.A. 9:17-38) outlines the legal procedures for establishing paternity. For local court forms and filing procedures, visit the New Jersey Courts website on parentage.
The Local Process for a Paternity Case in Bergen County
In Bergen County, paternity cases are heard in the Family Division of the Superior Court. The process often begins with the filing of a Complaint for Parentage. The court may order genetic testing to establish biological fatherhood. A key local procedural fact is that Bergen County courts strongly encourage mediation in family matters to reach agreements on custody and support before a trial.
- File a Complaint for Parentage with the Bergen County Family Division.
- Serve the complaint on the other parent, who has 35 days to respond.
- Attend a case management conference where the court may order genetic testing.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to try to settle custody and support.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a hearing where a judge will establish paternity and issue orders.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Bergen County, establishing paternity legally obligates the father to provide child support and grants him the right to seek custody or parenting time.
Once paternity is established, the court can issue orders for child support, health insurance, custody, and visitation. The non-custodial parent’s income will be assessed using New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. Establishing paternity also allows the child to be added to the father’s health insurance and provides access to benefits like Social Security and veterans’ benefits.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Family Law in New Jersey
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm handles paternity and family law matters across New Jersey. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and work to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests. For a paternity test lawyer Bergen County residents can rely on, our team provides clear guidance on the testing process and its legal implications.
Case Results and Client Focus
Our firm has extensive experience in family law matters. We have successfully represented clients in paternity actions, helping to establish fatherhood, secure parenting time, and set fair support obligations. Every case is unique, and we focus on achieving outcomes that serve our clients’ families.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Paternity Lawyers
If you need to establish fatherhood or defend your rights in a paternity case, our Bergen County team is here to help. We offer 24/7 phone consultations for your convenience.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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Frequently Asked Questions: Paternity in Bergen County
How is paternity established in New Jersey?
It depends. Paternity can be established voluntarily if both parents sign a Certificate of Parentage, often at the hospital. If there is a dispute, either parent can file a lawsuit in Family Court, and the judge may order genetic testing to make a legal determination.
Can a paternity case be filed if the mother is married to someone else?
Yes. New Jersey law presumes the mother’s husband is the legal father, but this presumption can be challenged. A biological father, the mother, or the presumed father can file a paternity action to determine the true biological father, which is why consulting an establish fatherhood lawyer Bergen County is important.
What rights does a father have after paternity is established?
Once paternity is legally established, the father gains the right to seek custody or parenting time and has the right to be involved in major decisions about the child’s welfare. He also assumes the responsibility to provide financial support.
How long does a father have to file a paternity case?
In New Jersey, a paternity action to declare the existence of a father-child relationship can be brought by the child before the age of 23. It is best to act as soon as possible to secure rights and stability for the child.
What if the alleged father refuses to take a paternity test?
If a party refuses to submit to court-ordered genetic testing, the Bergen County Family Court may issue an order holding that person in contempt, which can include fines or other penalties. The court may also establish paternity based on other evidence presented.
Related Legal Information
If you are dealing with a paternity matter, you may also need information on child custody in New Jersey or child support guidelines. For broader context, see our New Jersey Family Law overview.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. For current advice regarding your paternity case in Bergen County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on paternity case cases across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Bergen County questions and answers
How is paternity established in Bergen County?
Paternity in New Jersey can be established by a certificate of parentage signed by both parents, by a court order after genetic testing, or by presumption when the parents are married. Contested cases are filed in the Family Part of the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage, in Hackensack. Mr. Sris and the firm's Of Counsel attorneys represent mothers, fathers and alleged fathers in those proceedings.
Can I challenge a certificate of parentage in Bergen County?
A certificate of parentage can be rescinded within a short window after signing and challenged later only on limited grounds such as fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. The challenge is filed in the Hackensack Family Part, which may order genetic testing. Time limits are strict, so anyone questioning a signed certificate should seek advice promptly. The firm reviews the facts and deadlines before filing.
What rights come with a paternity finding in Bergen County?
Once paternity is established, the father may seek custody and parenting time under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 and the child gains inheritance and benefit rights through the father; the court can also order child support. Custody and support are decided in the same Family Part in Hackensack, often in the same case. The firm addresses all three issues together so the family has one complete order.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 (grounds for divorce) and N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (custody). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Paternity Case Lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ · Paternity Case Lawyer Essex County, NJ | Establish Fatherhood · Hudson County Paternity Case Lawyer NJ.