New York Paternity Laws

In the past, determining paternity was not always an easy task. Imagine, after all, trying to determine a biological father based only on blood type -- the odds aren't great. However, with the rise of DNA technology, potential parents are now able to quickly and reliably determine biological relationships with a simple swab of the cheek. Although such technology is now available over the counter in many areas, states like New York have emphasized that only DNA tests ordered by courts or medical professionals can be used to establish paternity for legal purposes.

New York automatically presumes that a father married to the mother at the time of birth is the legal father. This can sometimes raise issues if the child is not actually the husband's biological child. However, paternity issues more often arise when parents are unmarried at the time of birth. In those situations, New York allows for two processes to establish paternity:

1. An acknowledgment of paternity signed by the father at the time of birth; or
2. An order of filiation issued by the court on a petition to establish paternity.

New York allows petitions for paternity to be initiated by the:

• Mother;
• Person alleging to be the father;
• Child;
• Child's guardian, next of kin, or another person in a parental relationship;
• Representative of a charitable or philanthropic society; or
• Representative of a public welfare agency.

New York Paternity Laws at a Glance

The best starting point to learning more about New York Paternity laws is by reviewing the related state statutes, some of which are provided in the chart below.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

New York Paternity Laws: Additional Resources

• New York Adoption Laws
• New York Child Custody Laws
• New York Family Laws
• Paternity Law

Learn More About New York Paternity Laws from an Attorney

It goes without saying that establishing paternity has important and lifelong consequences. Whether you're seeking to prove or disprove paternity, it's important to understand how the laws apply to you. Before taking any action, you should consult with a skilled family law attorney in New York to learn about your rights under the law and what steps to take going forward.