Paternity Case Lawyer Burlington County — How to Establish Fatherhood and Protect Your Rights
A paternity case in Burlington County determines the legal father of a child, impacting custody, support, and inheritance rights. Under New Jersey law, this process is critical for securing a child’s future. If you need to establish or challenge paternity, a skilled paternity case lawyer Burlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is a Paternity Case Under New Jersey Law?
In New Jersey, paternity refers to the legal establishment of a father-child relationship. This status is not automatic for unmarried parents and must be formally adjudicated. The primary statute governing these actions is the New Jersey Parentage Act, N.J. Stat. § 9:17-39 et seq.. Establishing paternity grants the child rights to financial support, health insurance, inheritance, and potential Social Security or veterans’ benefits. It also grants the father legal rights to seek custody or parenting time. A paternity case lawyer Burlington County handles these filings and represents clients in the Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division.
Last verified: March 2026 | Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division | New Jersey Legislature
Official Resources for Paternity Law in New Jersey
Understanding the formal procedures and legal standards is essential. We recommend reviewing these official government resources:
- N.J. Stat. § 9:17-39 (New Jersey Parentage Act) – The official state statute outlining the procedures for establishing parentage.
- New Jersey Courts Paternity Information – The judiciary’s resource page explaining the process, forms, and implications of establishing paternity.
The Local Process for a Paternity Case in Burlington County
Paternity cases in Burlington County are heard in the Family Division of the Superior Court, located in Mount Holly. The process often begins with a Complaint for Parentage. A key local procedural fact is that the court may order genetic testing through an approved laboratory if paternity is disputed. An experienced paternity case lawyer Burlington County can manage this process, from filing the initial paperwork to presenting evidence at a hearing.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Meet with an attorney to review your goals, whether to establish or challenge paternity, and gather relevant information about the child and other parent.
- Filing the Legal Action: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary Complaint for Parentage with the Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division, and ensure proper service on the other party.
- Genetic Testing Phase: If paternity is not acknowledged, the court will typically order genetic testing. Your lawyer will coordinate this process with a court-approved testing facility.
- Negotiation or Mediation: Before a trial, parties may negotiate a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage or attempt mediation to settle related issues like custody and support.
- Court Hearing & Judgment of Parentage: If no agreement is reached, your attorney will represent you at a hearing before a judge, who will enter a Judgment of Parentage establishing legal fatherhood.
- Post-Judgment Actions: Once paternity is established, your lawyer can help file subsequent actions for child support, custody, or parenting time as needed.
Why Legal Guidance is Critical in Paternity Matters
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our approach in Burlington County is practical and focused on securing clear, legally binding outcomes for parents and children. We understand that paternity cases are deeply personal and have long-term consequences for family relationships and a child’s well-being. Our firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to providing diligent representation in these foundational family law matters.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of assisting clients with family law issues. While every case is unique, our attorneys work to achieve favorable resolutions in paternity matters. For example, we have successfully represented fathers seeking to establish paternity to gain custody rights and have also assisted parents in legally formalizing parentage to secure child support.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Paternity Lawyers
If you need to establish fatherhood or have questions about your rights, our team is here to help. Our firm provides 24/7 phone consultations for your convenience. We serve clients throughout Burlington County, including near Mount Holly, Moorestown, and Willingboro.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Paternity in Burlington County
How is paternity established in New Jersey?
It depends. Paternity can be established voluntarily when both parents sign a Certificate of Parentage. If there is a dispute, either parent can file a complaint in the Family Division of Superior Court, and the judge may order genetic testing to determine biological fatherhood.
Why should I hire a paternity test lawyer in Burlington County?
A paternity test lawyer Burlington County ensures the genetic testing process is conducted properly through a court-approved facility, that chain of custody is maintained, and that the results are correctly presented as evidence in court. This legal oversight is important for the findings to be admissible.
Can a paternity case affect child support?
Yes. Once paternity is legally established, the father has a legal obligation to provide financial support for the child. The Burlington County Probation Division will often become involved to calculate and enforce a child support order based on state guidelines.
What rights does establishing paternity give a father?
Legal fatherhood grants the right to seek custody or parenting time, the right to be involved in major decisions about the child’s welfare, and the responsibility to provide financial support. It also gives the child the right to inherit from the father.
How long does a paternity case take in Burlington County?
The timeline varies. A voluntary acknowledgment can be done quickly. A contested case requiring court filings, testing, and a hearing can take several months, depending on the court’s schedule and the scope of the situation.
What is the role of an establish fatherhood lawyer in Burlington County?
An establish fatherhood lawyer Burlington County guides a man through the legal process to become recognized as a child’s legal father. This involves filing the correct pleadings, advocating for genetic testing if needed, and securing a court judgment that confers all parental rights and responsibilities.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current guidance on your paternity case in Burlington County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey paternity case practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Paternity Case Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ · Paternity Case Lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ · Paternity Case Lawyer Essex County, NJ | Establish Fatherhood.