Paternity Case Lawyer Union County, NJ
Establishing legal paternity in Union County, New Jersey involves proceedings in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part. Whether you are a mother seeking child support, a father pursuing parental rights, or a party contesting a paternity allegation, the outcome carries significant consequences for custody, parenting time, and financial obligations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the nuances of the New Jersey Parentage Act and the local procedures at the Union Vicinage. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience to paternity matters in communities such as Elizabeth, Union Township, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, and throughout Union County. To request a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Paternity Cases Mean in Union County
Paternity is the legal determination of a child’s biological father. In New Jersey, paternity can be established voluntarily through a Certificate of Parentage or involuntarily through a court order following genetic testing. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, handles paternity actions arising in Union County. Under the New Jersey Parentage Act, the court has authority to adjudicate parentage, issue orders for child support, and resolve custody and parenting time disputes once paternity is confirmed.
For unmarried parents, a father has no automatic legal rights until paternity is established. Without an adjudication, a father cannot seek custody or visitation, and a mother cannot obtain a child support order against the alleged father. The Union County Family Division is part of the 12th Vicinage, which serves a diverse population spanning Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, Springfield, and surrounding communities. The court schedules case management conferences and hearings based on its calendar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in this court and are familiar with local practice and the expectations of the bench.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach paternity litigation with a focus on protecting the best interests of the child while safeguarding the legal rights of the client. The firm represents both mothers and alleged fathers in paternity proceedings. For a mother, establishing paternity is often the necessary first step to obtain a child support order and to create a foundation for custody and parenting time. For a father, an adjudication of paternity opens the door to seeking custody or visitation and ensures his name appears on the child’s birth certificate.
The process typically begins with the filing of a complaint in the Family Part of the Superior Court. After the complaint is served, the court may order genetic testing if paternity is disputed. New Jersey law presumes a man to be the father under certain circumstances, but those presumptions can be challenged. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to present evidence, navigate discovery, and negotiate resolutions when possible. If trial is necessary, the firm is prepared to advocate vigorously. While every case is unique, the goal remains consistent: to achieve a timely and just resolution that serves the child’s welfare and protects the client’s interests.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings trial experience and a practical understanding of courtroom advocacy to every family law matter he handles. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is supported by a dedicated Of Counsel team. Each Of Counsel attorney brings substantial legal experience and is committed to providing focused representation in family law matters. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with over 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm maintains a New Jersey location in Tinton Falls, where consultations are available by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a paternity case?
A paternity case is a legal proceeding to determine the biological father of a child and establish the rights and obligations that flow from that relationship. In New Jersey, a paternity case may be initiated by the mother, the alleged father, the child, or a government agency. Once paternity is legally established, the court can issue orders for child support, custody, parenting time, and contribution to medical expenses. The proceeding is heard in the Superior Court, Chancery Division – Family Part, in the county where the child or parties reside.
How is paternity established in Union County, New Jersey?
Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing a Certificate of Parentage or involuntarily through a court order after genetic testing. A Certificate of Parentage is often completed at the hospital shortly after birth. If the alleged father does not voluntarily acknowledge paternity, the mother or the alleged father may file a complaint in the Family Part. The court generally orders DNA testing, which compares the genetic markers of the child, mother, and alleged father. If the test results show a probability of paternity of 95% or higher, that creates a presumption of paternity under New Jersey law. The court then issues an order adjudicating parentage.
What rights does a father gain after paternity is established in New Jersey?
Once paternity is legally established, a father has the right to seek custody, parenting time, and involvement in major decisions concerning the child. He also becomes obligated to provide child support. The court determines custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child, considering the 14 statutory factors. Establishing paternity is also crucial for a father who wishes to be listed on the child’s birth certificate and to ensure the child can inherit from him or receive benefits such as Social Security or health insurance.
Do I need a DNA test for a paternity case in Union County?
In most contested paternity cases, the court will order genetic testing to resolve parentage scientifically. If the parties agree on paternity, a DNA test may not be necessary, but the court may still require one to protect the child’s interests. The testing is conducted at accredited laboratories, and the results are admissible in court. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure the testing is performed properly and that the results are correctly interpreted. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through this process and present the evidence effectively.
Can paternity be established if the parents are unmarried?
Yes, paternity proceedings exist precisely for situations where the parents were not married at the time of the child’s birth. In New Jersey, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother has sole legal and physical custody until a court orders otherwise. The father has no automatic rights. A paternity action allows the father to assert his parental rights and allows the mother to seek child support. The proceeding can be filed in the Family Part of the Superior Court in the county where the child resides, including the Union Vicinage.
How can a paternity case lawyer in Union County help me?
A paternity case lawyer in Union County can explain your rights, represent you in court, and work to achieve a resolution that protects your relationship with your child and your financial stability. Whether you are a mother needing support or a father seeking custody and parenting time, having experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the judges and procedures in the Union County Family Division and can present your case clearly and persuasively. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional family law resources in New Jersey: New Jersey Legislature (statutes) · Union Vicinage court information · New Jersey Courts.
Related pages: Hunterdon County Family Law · Somerset County Family Law · Morris County Family Law · Bergen County Family Law · Monmouth County Family Law.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.