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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

Family Lawyers Help Mothers and Fathers with Child Custody

Unlike married fathers, an unmarried biological father must take extra steps to be recognized as the legal father of a child, which sometimes includes paternity testing. Unmarried parents usually have an opportunity to accomplish legal paternity by signing an acknowledgment of paternity at the hospital shortly after birth. However, this can only be done if both parents are present and agree on biological paternity.

In New York, the legal document for paternity is called a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, or VAP. In New Jersey, this document is called a Certificate of Parentage, or COP.

What if a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity is Not Signed?

Unmarried fathers should know that being named on a birth certificate is likely insufficient to establish legal paternity. If unmarried parents do not sign a VAP or a COP, either a father or mother is able to file a paternity lawsuit to establish the father’s legal parentage.

If either parent is unsure about the biological paternity of the child, either a mother or father can request and receive DNA paternity testing. DNA paternity testing is easily conducted and usually only involves swabbing the cheeks of the mother, father and child.

Once the DNA paternity testing demonstrates the man is the biological father, the courts will consider the issues of child custody, child support, visitation rights and parenting time.

Why Does A Biological Father Need Paternity Testing or a Paternity Suit?

Unmarried biological fathers will have no rights to a child unless he signs a VAP or COP, or he receives a court order declaring him to be the legal father. This means an unmarried biological father who is not a legal father has no say in how the child is raised, could not enforce parenting time or visitation rights, or stop a mother from moving away with the child.

Once child custody, parenting time and visitation rights are established, the court will also enter a child support order. If legal paternity is never established and the child receives money from the state, state administrative agencies may seek to establish legal paternity from the biological father for reimbursement of funds paid on behalf of the child.

New York and New Jersey Paternity Lawyers for Mothers and Fathers

It is best for a father, mother and child if the rights and obligations are made clear as soon as possible after birth. Even if the mother and father are living together and feel they do not need to establish legal paternity, this is untrue. Paternity lawsuits do not have to be adversarial proceedings if the parents agree on all issues.

Our family lawyers have been working on behalf of New York and New Jersey parents for over 40 years. Get in touch with our family lawyers today to learn more about the best legal avenues for establishing paternity, child custody and New Jersey and New York child support.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 82 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 130 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 137 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 140 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
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   Lynn Gill 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

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Need Paternity Testing?

Family Lawyers Help Mothers and Fathers with Child Custody

What if a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity is Not Signed?

Why Does A Biological Father Need Paternity Testing or a Paternity Suit?

New York and New Jersey Paternity Lawyers for Mothers and Fathers

Why Trust Us?

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