Paternity Case Lawyer Burlington County, NJ

When paternity is in question, the legal outcome can shape a child’s entire future — child support, custody, parenting time, and even inheritance rights. In Burlington County, New Jersey, paternity cases are heard by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division — Family Part at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. Whether you are a mother seeking to establish legal fatherhood for your child, an alleged father who wants to confirm or challenge parentage, or a parent navigating the support obligations that follow, having an experienced family law attorney on your side helps protect your rights. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates in family law matters including paternity cases throughout Burlington County. For an appointment, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Paternity Cases Mean in Burlington County

Under New Jersey’s Parentage Act, a paternity case decides the legal father of a child born to unmarried parents. The result carries significant consequences: the established father owes a duty of child support under the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, acquires the right to seek custody and parenting time under the trusted-interests standard under New Jersey law, and creates the child’s right to inheritance, health insurance coverage, and certain government benefits. In Burlington County, these matters are heard at the Family Part of the Superior Court at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. The court serves all communities in the county, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton. Because Burlington County is part of the 8th Vicinage, the judges and staff are familiar with the full range of family disputes and expect thorough compliance with both the procedural rules and the substantive law.

How the Court Addresses Paternity in Burlington County

Paternity proceedings in Burlington County are typically initiated by filing a verified complaint under the FD (non-dissolution) docket in the Family Part. The person filing — often the mother or the alleged father — asks the court to adjudicate parentage. If parentage is contested, the court may order genetic testing through a court-approved laboratory. A DNA test result showing a 95% or higher probability of parentage creates a presumption of paternity, which the alleged father may then rebut or accept. Once paternity is established, the court will address related issues of child support, custody, and parenting time, often scheduling a case management conference to set a discovery schedule. Burlington County, like all New Jersey vicinages, uses mandatory Case Information Statements for financial disclosure when support is at issue. The court may also refer the parties to mediation through the court’s custody and parenting time program. For families also dealing with a related divorce or separation, the mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP) — a New Jersey‑specific process where a panel of retired judges hears each side’s position and recommends settlement — may become part of the overall case management. Our firm’s experience with these local procedures helps clients navigate each stage efficiently.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach a paternity case by first clarifying each party’s goals — whether the priority is simply to establish the legal relationship for the child’s benefit, to secure child support, to pursue custody and visitation, or to challenge a previously filed acknowledgment of paternity. They work with clients to gather the necessary documentation, including birth records, any existing voluntary acknowledgments, and financial information. When genetic testing is needed, they coordinate with approved laboratories and interpret the results in the context of the statutory presumptions. Because paternity often intertwines with custody and support, the team prepares clients for the interrelated hearings that may follow, including the financial disclosures required by the court. The firm’s extensive practice in front of the Burlington County Family Part judges means that filings are prepared with an understanding of local expectations, and discovery is handled with attention to the timelines the court sets. Throughout the process, clients receive guidance on both the immediate paternity determination and the long-term implications for the family.

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 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings a thorough command of courtroom procedure to every family law matter. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris works alongside Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate in New Jersey family law, bringing additional decades of experience to the firm’s practice. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. They have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in New Jersey?

Paternity is established either by a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) signed by both parents and filed with the New Jersey Department of Health, or through a court order following genetic testing. Under the New Jersey Parentage Act, an AOP signed at the hospital or later has the same legal effect as a court adjudication. When parties disagree, a verified complaint is filed in the Family Part of the Superior Court, and the court may order DNA testing. Once a genetic test shows a probability of 95% or higher, a presumption of paternity arises, which can then form the basis of a court order establishing the legal father-child relationship.

Who can file a paternity case in Burlington County?

The child’s mother, the alleged father, the child (through a guardian or next friend), or a state agency that provides public assistance can file a paternity action. In many cases, the mother files to establish paternity and obtain child support. An alleged father may also file a complaint to confirm his parentage and secure custody or parenting time rights. If the child receives public benefits, the county board of social services may initiate a paternity proceeding to establish a support obligation.

Does establishing paternity automatically give the father custody rights?

No. Establishment of paternity creates the legal relationship, but custody and parenting time must be addressed in a separate order based on the best interests of the child. Once paternity is established, the father has standing to seek custody and visitation. The court will then evaluate the 14 statutory factors set out under New Jersey law, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and any history of domestic violence. The father’s parental rights are not automatic — they are determined after a full hearing if the parties cannot agree.

How does genetic testing work in a Burlington County paternity case?

The court may order DNA testing, which usually involves a simple cheek swab from the mother, the alleged father, and the child. The samples are sent to an accredited laboratory, and the results are returned to the court and the parties. If the alleged father refuses to submit to testing, the court may draw an adverse inference and enter a default adjudication of paternity. The cost of testing is typically borne by the party requesting it, though the court may allocate the expense differently depending on the circumstances.

Can an established paternity be challenged or rescinded?

Yes, under limited circumstances. A voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity may be rescinded within 60 days of signing, or in some cases up to one year, if the signer was not the biological father. After that, a challenge may be brought only on grounds of fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact. A court adjudication of paternity can also be challenged through a motion to vacate the judgment, but the burden of proof is high because of the child’s interest in finality. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney is essential before pursuing any challenge.

How does paternity affect child support obligations?

Once paternity is legally established, the father becomes responsible for child support in accordance with the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines use an income‑shares model that considers both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, and certain statutory deductions. Support may be ordered retroactive to the child’s birth in some cases. The Burlington County Family Part has the authority to enter a support order, enforce it through income withholding, and modify it when circumstances change.

What if the alleged father lives outside New Jersey?

Jurisdiction over a paternity case may still be proper in Burlington County if the child resides in New Jersey or if the parties have sufficient minimum contacts with the state. The New Jersey court can adjudicate paternity and order support, and under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), the support order can be enforced in the father’s home state. If the father lives abroad, service of process must comply with international treaties, but the Family Part can proceed under long-arm jurisdiction when the statutory requirements are met.

Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case in Burlington County?

You are not legally required to retain a lawyer, but having an experienced family law attorney can greatly improve your understanding of the process and the protection of your rights. Paternity cases involve detailed court procedures, evidentiary rules, and long-lasting consequences for finances and family structure. A lawyer can help assess whether a voluntary acknowledgment is appropriate, prepare the necessary pleadings, ensure genetic testing is handled correctly, and negotiate or litigate custody and support terms. For guidance on your specific situation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

How long does a paternity case take in Burlington County?

The timeline varies depending on whether parentage is contested, the availability of genetic testing, and the court’s calendar. An uncontested paternity case based on a voluntary acknowledgment can be resolved relatively quickly. When the alleged father disputes parentage and the court orders DNA testing, several weeks are typically needed for the laboratory to return results. If custody and support issues are intertwined, the case may extend over additional months to allow for discovery, negotiation, and, if necessary, trial. The Burlington County Family Part schedules matters to move forward as promptly as the docket allows.

How much does a paternity lawyer cost?

Fees vary by case and depend on the complexity of the matter, including whether genetic testing is needed and whether custody or support disputes are involved. During an initial consultation, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Discusses the fee structure for your case and can help you understand the cost ahead. Our firm accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and payment plans. To discuss the details of your matter, contact our New Jersey location at (609) 983-0003 or toll‑free at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.