Paternity Case Lawyer Near Me | Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Paternity Case Lawyer Near Me
You may have recently learned that you are a father—or that the man you believed to be the father of your child is disputing parentage. Perhaps the hospital presented you with paperwork you did not fully understand, or you received a notice from the New Jersey Family Part of the Superior Court. Paternity cases in New Jersey carry lasting legal consequences for everyone involved. Whether you are a mother seeking child support, a father who wants custody or parenting time, or a man who questions whether he is the biological parent, establishing paternity changes your legal rights and obligations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in paternity matters throughout New Jersey, from Bergen County to Cape May County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work with parents, putative fathers, and custodians to address paternity establishment, genetic testing, custody, parenting time, and child support. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding Paternity Cases in New Jersey
Paternity is the legal determination of a child’s biological father. In New Jersey, the Parentage Act governs how paternity is established and what legal effects flow from that determination. When paternity is established, the father gains legal rights—including the ability to seek custody and parenting time—and also legal obligations, including the duty to provide child support. A child born to unmarried parents has no legal father until paternity is established, regardless of what the birth certificate may indicate.
New Jersey provides several paths to establish paternity. Parents may sign a voluntary Certificate of Parentage, often at the hospital shortly after birth. When the parents do not agree on parentage, either party may file a complaint in the Family Part of the Superior Court in the county where the child lives. The court may order genetic testing, which typically involves a buccal swab from the child, the mother, and the alleged father. If testing establishes a sufficient probability of parentage, the court enters an order adjudicating paternity. From that point forward, the father appears on the child’s birth certificate, and all the rights and duties of parentage attach. Paternity actions may also be brought by the New Jersey Division of Family Development when a child receives public assistance.
The county where the matter is heard depends on where the child resides. Our New Jersey location serves clients across all twenty-one counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, and Passaic. Every county’s Family Part operates under the same statewide rules of court, but local practices, judicial preferences, and docket-management approaches vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with Family Part procedures throughout the state.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Matters
A paternity case often unfolds alongside custody, parenting time, and child support disputes. The firm approaches each matter by identifying the client’s objectives: establishing parentage to secure custody or visitation, challenging parentage when there is reason to doubt biological connection, or resolving support obligations that depend on a paternity determination. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review the relevant facts—including any existing acknowledgment of parentage, the circumstances of the child’s conception, and the relationship history between the parties—and discuss with the client how New Jersey law applies to their situation.
When genetic testing is needed, the firm coordinates with approved laboratories and ensures that test results are properly introduced into the court record. If parentage is undisputed but the parties disagree on custody, parenting time, or support, the firm advocates for the client’s position at case management conferences, mediation, and, when necessary, at a plenary hearing. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on resolving the matter efficiently while protecting the client’s legal interests and, where children are involved, promoting stability in their lives. The timeline for a paternity case depends on the complexity of the issues, the court’s calendar, and whether the parties reach agreement or require court intervention.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since founding the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings extensive litigation experience to paternity and family law matters. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The Of Counsel team includes attorneys with diverse backgrounds in family law, litigation, and trial advocacy. On every paternity matter, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work collaboratively, drawing on their collective experience to analyze the legal and factual issues, negotiate constructively where possible, and litigate effectively when necessary. Every attorney on the team has well over a decade of practice experience. The firm maintains its New Jersey location at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724, and serves clients in all twenty-one counties, from Sussex to Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is paternity established in New Jersey?
Paternity in New Jersey can be established voluntarily by signing a Certificate of Parentage or through a court order after genetic testing. A Certificate of Parentage is often signed at the hospital when the child is born and is filed with the State registrar. When the parents do not agree, either party may file a complaint in the Family Part of the Superior Court. The court may order genetic testing, and if the results show a sufficient probability of parentage, the court enters an order establishing the legal father-child relationship. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Why does establishing paternity matter?
Establishing paternity gives the child legal access to both parents and creates rights and obligations for the father, including custody, parenting time, and child support. Beyond the immediate family law consequences, paternity affects the child’s eligibility for inheritance, Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, and access to family medical history. For fathers, paternity establishment opens the door to seeking custody and parenting time—without it, an unmarried father has no legal standing to request visitation or custody from a New Jersey court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a father request genetic testing for paternity in New Jersey?
Yes, a man who believes he may be the father, or who has been named as the father, can request genetic testing through the Family Part of the Superior Court. The court typically orders all three parties—the child, the mother, and the alleged father—to submit to testing. The laboratory must be accredited, and the results are introduced as evidence. If the testing excludes the man as the biological father, the court dismisses the paternity action against him. If it establishes a high probability of parentage, the court proceeds to adjudicate paternity and address custody, parenting time, and support. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What if one parent refuses to participate in paternity testing?
A New Jersey court can draw an adverse inference against a party who refuses to cooperate with court-ordered genetic testing. The Family Part has the authority to compel testing, and a parent’s refusal may be treated as evidence against that parent’s position. In some circumstances, the court may enter a default order establishing paternity based on the available evidence when one party refuses to participate. This area of law involves procedural rules that vary depending on the specific facts of the case, and having experienced counsel can make a significant difference in how the court handles non-cooperation.
How does paternity affect child custody and parenting time in New Jersey?
Once paternity is established, the father gains the right to petition the court for custody and parenting time under the same best-interests-of-the-child standard that applies to married parents. New Jersey courts consider factors including the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s needs, and the parents’ willingness to facilitate the child’s relationship with the other parent. Before paternity is established, an unmarried father has no legal right to custody or visitation. Establishing paternity is therefore the essential first step for a father who seeks a meaningful role in his child’s life.
Where can I find a paternity case lawyer near me in New Jersey?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in paternity cases throughout all twenty-one New Jersey counties from its location in Tinton Falls. The firm handles paternity establishment, genetic testing issues, custody and parenting time disputes arising from paternity cases, and child support matters linked to parentage determinations. Whether your case is in Bergen County, Monmouth County, or anywhere else in the state, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with Family Part procedures across New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Our New Jersey location is at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, by appointment only.
For additional information on New Jersey family law and court procedures, see these official resources: New Jersey Family Division · New Jersey Legislature — Statutes · New Jersey Courts
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey location at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747.