Queens Paternity Lawyer | Law Office of Olga J. Rodriguez

When questions arise about a child’s biological parentage, establishing paternity is crucial for protecting the rights and interests of everyone involved. The Law Office of Olga J. Rodriguez provides comprehensive paternity legal services to families throughout Queens, NY, guiding parents through the complex process of determining biological relationships and securing parental rights. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to achieve outcomes that serve the best interests of children while protecting parental rights.

Located in Forest Hills at 118-21 Queens Boulevard, our firm understands the unique challenges facing Queens families. Whether you are seeking to establish, contest, or modify paternity, we provide skilled legal representation during these sensitive cases.

Understanding Paternity Law in Queens, NY

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s biological father. Establishing paternity creates rights and responsibilities that affect custody, visitation, child support, inheritance, and access to medical benefits.

When Paternity Needs to Be Established

• Unmarried Parents: Legal paternity is required to establish parental rights.
• Child Support Cases: Queens Family Court requires paternity before ordering support.
• Custody and Visitation: Fathers need legal paternity to pursue custody or visitation.
• Medical Decisions: Legal fathers gain the right to participate in healthcare decisions.
• Inheritance Rights: Ensures children can inherit from their biological fathers.

Our firm serves diverse Queens neighborhoods, including Elmhurst, Corona, and Jackson Heights, where establishing paternity is essential for protecting children’s rights.

How Queens Paternity Attorneys Help Families

Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment

When both parents agree on paternity, we assist with:

• Completing and filing Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) forms
• Guiding parents through hospital procedures at Queens hospitals
• Explaining legal implications and rescission rights

Court-Ordered Paternity Testing

When paternity is disputed:

• Filing petitions with Queens Family Court (151-20 Jamaica Avenue)
• Coordinating DNA testing through approved labs
• Presenting results and supporting evidence to establish paternity
• Ensuring compliance with New York’s 95% probability threshold

Paternity Rights and Responsibilities

Parental Rights

Once established, fathers gain:

• Custody and visitation rights
• Participation in medical, educational, and religious decisions

Legal Obligations

• Child support according to New York State guidelines
• Health insurance coverage when available
• Educational expenses and extracurricular costs
• Ongoing support until the child turns 21

Child Support and Paternity Cases

New York Child Support Guidelines

• Assess combined parental income
• Apply statutory percentages based on number of children
• Include childcare, medical, and educational expenses
• Modify support for changes in circumstances

Enforcement

We assist with:

• Wage garnishment and asset seizure
• License suspension for non-payment
• Court enforcement and contempt proceedings

Custody and Visitation in Paternity Cases

Establishing Parenting Time

• Joint custody arrangements and visitation schedules
• Holiday and vacation planning
• Legal custody decisions regarding education, healthcare, and upbringing

Best Interests Standard

Courts consider:

• Parental fitness and stability
• Child’s preferences
• Co-parenting ability
• Maintaining continuity in school and community

Contested Paternity Cases

• Challenging incorrect paternity through DNA testing
• Addressing fraud or misrepresentation
• Presenting evidence to defend established father-child bonds
• Advocating for the child’s best interests

Paternity and Related Family Law Matters

Divorce Integration

• Address marital presumption of paternity
• Impact on property division and support obligations
• Modify custody based on paternity determinations

Adoption and Paternity

• Ensure proper consent from biological fathers
• Protect putative father rights
• Handle step-parent adoptions and termination of parental rights

The Paternity Legal Process in Queens

• Initial Consultation: Fact gathering, legal options review, and strategy development
• Filing Petitions: Drafting, serving, and scheduling court proceedings
• Representation in Court: Pre-trial conferences, motion practice, trial advocacy, and post-judgment matters

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does paternity take?

Voluntary acknowledgment is quick; contested cases may take several months.

Can paternity be established if the father lives outside NY?

Yes. Interstate and international enforcement mechanisms allow courts to establish paternity.

Can paternity be established after the child turns 18?

Yes, for inheritance, medical history, or emotional closure, though child support does not apply.

How much does genetic testing cost?

Court-ordered testing costs are shared or reimbursed if paternity is established. Home kits are not admissible.

What if someone refuses testing?

Courts may enter a default judgment or hold parties in contempt for non-compliance.

Why Choose Law Office of Olga J. Rodriguez

• Comprehensive Family Law Focus: Paternity, child support, custody, divorce, adoption, domestic violence, and more
• Local Community Knowledge: Deep understanding of Queens’ diverse neighborhoods
• Personalized Service: Individualized attention and compassionate support
• Proven Track Record: Successful representation in Queens Family Court

Contact Our Queens Paternity Lawyers

Protect your parental rights and your children’s future. Our attorneys handle cases throughout Queens, including Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Corona, Jackson Heights, Astoria, Bayside, and Fresh Meadows.

Schedule Your Consultation: Call 347-455-9360 or visit our contact page. Our Forest Hills office is at 118-21 Queens Boulevard, Suite 619.