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Diligently Protecting Families' Interests for Over 20 Years

Syracuse Paternity Attorney

Experienced Legal Support for Paternity Cases in Syracuse

While identifying the biological father of a child may seem simple, the consequences of acknowledging paternity can have widespread emotional, legal, and financial consequences. Whether it is to enforce paternal responsibilities or to assert the right of a father to have an active role in his child's life, skilled and compassionate legal representation is required to safeguard the interests of the parents and the child.

For more than 15 years, I have been dedicated to assisting individuals with complex family law issues, including paternity disputes. I can provide the supportive, yet assertive advocacy you need to establish and enforce paternity rights and obligations.

Navigating Paternity Complexities in New York

When it comes to paternity, words are not enough. If a child is born into a marriage, the husband is legally regarded as the father, whether he actually is or not. If the couple is unmarried, the child has no legal father until an Acknowledgement of Paternity is signed and accepted by the courts. Things can get complicated, however, when either the mother or father hinder the proper establishment of paternity.

These obstructions can include:

  • False accusations of paternity
  • Mother's refusal to acknowledge her child's father
  • Father's refusal to accept paternity
  • Mother's failure to notify father of a child's existence

Identifying the biological father of a child carries significant legal weight in the life and well-being of a child. If you are a mother confronting a reluctant father, or a father facing a mother hesitant to assent to your paternal rights, I can provide the insightful, tenacious representation you need to compel the establishment of legal paternity.

Understanding Paternity Rights and Duties

Creating emotional bonds with a child is a crucial component of any healthy father / child relationship. Any obstruction to the formation of these relationships can be heartbreaking. Conversely, fathers who fail to live up to the expressive components of fatherhood still have a legal obligation for the well-being of the child.

The rights and responsibilities involved in paternity are numerous and include:

Protect Your Paternal Rights in Syracuse, NY

If you would like assistance protecting or asserting your paternal rights, compelling a reluctant father to live up to his obligations, or defending against a false paternity claim, I can provide the experienced and insightful legal guidance you need.

Contact my firm today to schedule a confidential case consultation to discuss your concerns, discover your legal options, and construct an effective strategy to protect your child and you.

Commonly Asked Questions

What steps should I take to establish paternity in Syracuse?

To establish paternity in Syracuse, the first step is to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, which can be done at the hospital after the child's birth or later at a local child support office. If both parents agree, this form can be filed with the court to legally recognize the father. If there are disputes or complications, such as a mother's refusal to acknowledge the father, it may be necessary to seek legal assistance. An attorney can help navigate the process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the rights of both parents and the child are protected.

How can a father assert his rights if the mother is uncooperative?

If a father is facing challenges with an uncooperative mother regarding paternity, he can take legal action to assert his rights. This may involve filing a petition in court to establish paternity formally. The court can order DNA testing if necessary, and once paternity is established, the father can seek visitation or custody rights. Legal representation can be crucial in these situations, as an attorney can advocate for the father's rights and help navigate any obstacles that may arise during the process.

Meet Attorney Haddad

Compassionate & Supportive Guidance
  • Laurin R Haddad Photo
    Laurin R Haddad
    Never one to back down from a trial or another attorney's maneuvers, I take on cases determined to achieve an optimal outcome. My belief is that all clients who come my way deserve my unwavering attention and advocacy. My name is Laurin R. Haddad, and I am a Syracuse divorce and family law attorney with more than a decade of litigation experience to put into your case. You can find the aggressive representation you need at my firm. EDUCATION & CAREER A Central New York native, I enjoyed growing ...
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My Core Values

I am devoted to championing and supporting my clients
  • Committed to obtaining the best possible case outcome
  • Dedicated involvement within the Syracuse-area community
  • Personal and uniquely constructed representation
  • Two decades of legal experience & over 15 dedicated to family law

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