Goshen Paternity Lawyer
Many children are born when their parents are not married. This can lead to some disagreement about who the father is. Or sometimes, men will deny paternity because they don’t want to be parents or be on the hook for child support.
As a mother, determining paternity is important for you and your child. You may be determined to raise your child on your own, but it won’t be easy. Raising a child until age 18 now costs a whopping $288,000. That does not include college tuition or other major expenses, like a car.
A child benefits financially and emotionally when both parents are involved in their life. Make sure your child has a relationship with their father. Start with a paternity test. A Goshen paternity lawyer from The Law Office of Robert S. Sunshine, P.C. can help determine paternity. Contact us today to learn more.
Determining Paternity
There are two ways to establish paternity in New York. Paternity can be established by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through a court order. If both parents agree, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) as soon as the baby is born. AOP forms are available in the medical office where you get your prenatal care and in the hospital where your baby is born. The mother and father do not have to sign the form at the same time.
Paternity can be established any time after the baby leaves the hospital, until the child turns 21 years old. You may use the AOP form that you were given in the hospital where your baby was born. You can also get one from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the NYC Human Resources Administration Office of Child Support Enforcement.
Benefits of Paternity
The mother, father, and child can all benefit from paternity. Here are some benefits:
- Legal establishment of parental rights and responsibilities
- Shared parental responsibilities
- Financial security for the family
- Name appears on the child’s birth certificate
- Right to seek court-ordered visitation and custody
- Right to be consulted in adoption or other legal proceedings concerning the child
- Legal record of the identity of the father
- Father’s name on the birth certificate
- Information about family medical history
- Financial support from both parents
- Entitlement to medical insurance, Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, and military allowances from the father
- Rights of inheritance if the father dies
Contact The Law Office of Robert S. Sunshine, P.C. Today
Determining paternity is beneficial for everyone involved. Paternity can help with financial issues and allow a man the chance to be a father to his biological children.
The Law Office of Robert S. Sunshine, P.C. can assist you with paternity matters. We put children first, but we never forget that our clients have legal and financial rights. We’re committed to upholding those rights. Schedule a consultation with a Goshen paternity lawyer by filling out the online form or calling (845) 735-1300.
