Syracuse Paternity Lawyer

Paternity is a very serious matter that plagues many individuals on both sides of the issue.  It has been discovered that in at least 75% of the cases where a male client is “certain” that the child at issue is his, that after a DNA test is performed, the child is not his. This is vital information to know, whichever side of an action you are on.

• If you are the mother, you begin to lose your credibility with the Court if you swear someone is the father and they are not. If you are the father, it is vital because, whatever you may think, DNA testing is extremely important as you will be taking on a support obligation for decades to come, or the custody of the child.

Be sure it is your child from the first day. I, Diana G. Cunningham, can assist you in navigating the court system with regards to your paternity case.  I have many years of experience and am dedicated to helping you get the solution you seek and deserve.

• If you challenge paternity, you cannot get custody until it is established, but, you can look for both in your initial pleadings. New York allows us to plead “in the alternative”, which allows you to look for potentially conflicting relief at the same time.

• Although it occasionally happens, it is rare that you will be allowed to challenge paternity years down the road. You will always be allowed to challenge it at the beginning. And from the mother’s standpoint, it is best to be forthright from the beginning, to retain your credibility with the Court.

•  Also from the mother’s standpoint, remember that when you establish paternity, you also establish someone who will have rights to custody and visitation with the child, as well as the child support obligation. So be prepared to start sharing your child with someone else. If this is not something you wish to do, then you may be the one that wishes to contest paternity if the assumed father brings an action against you.

This is just a brief overview of certain aspects of paternity which you may find helpful for informational purposes only. For additional information or to schedule a meeting with me, contact my office immediately. 

I can help you get your affairs organized and choose the best course of action.  We can discuss your case during a free half hour consultation.  Take control of your situation – contact me today!

Attorney Diana G. Cunningham confidently represents clients in a variety of family law, real estate and other legal matters in Syracuse, New York, the cities of Auburn, Oswego, Cortland Cayuga, the counties of Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, Cortland, Oswego, and all of the surrounding areas.

Diana G. Cunningham
913 State Tower Building
109 South Warren Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
Phone: (315) 472-8655
Fax: (315) 472-5800
Email