Defining Parental Rights and Obligations in Upstate New York
Establishing paternity is a fairly easy and straightforward process using DNA testing. The consequences of legal paternity, however, are anything but simple and can have a significant impact on issues of custody, visitation and child support. Establishing the identity of a child's father and determining the father's right to actively participate in the life of the child are important legal considerations.
My name is Laurin Haddad. I represent mothers and fathers in paternity cases in Syracuse and communities throughout upstate New York. I can offer experienced guidance and representation aimed at helping you resolve the often complex issues associated with paternity. In particular, I assist mothers seeking to establish paternity in order to collect child support or fathers when they have been denied custody and visitation rights to their children.
Benefits Available From Establishing Paternity
A determination of paternity begins the legal relationship between parent and child — a relationship that carries both rights and obligations. These rights may include the physical or legal custody of the child, the right to contest adoption proceedings, the right to collect child support payments and the ability to establish visitation rights. Obligations often include the duty to pay support for any child not in your physical custody.
The establishment of paternity will also have significant benefits for the children involved, including:
- Eligibility for child support payments
- Additional medical coverage and benefits
- Eligibility for parents' life insurance and disability benefits
- Legal rights in probate and estate administration
- Ability to claim dependency for tax purposes
Whether you are a mother or father who is concerned about establishing paternity, I can give you the honest answers you need. I can advise you on your rights and options. I will fight for you, if necessary.
New York Fathers' Rights Attorney
If you would like to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation with an experienced Syracuse paternity lawyer, I invite you to call Haddad Law Office toll free at 866-986-4862 or contact me online to schedule an appointment today.
Off site, evening and weekend appointments are available.
