General

How can I legally establish paternity in Long Island, New York?

There are three main ways to establish paternity:

  • Signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form, usually at the hospital or through Family Court.
  • Filing a Family Court petition to determine paternity.
  • Undergoing DNA testing if paternity is contested.

Each option leads to a legally recognized parent-child relationship that affects future custody and support proceedings.