§ 517 Time for instituting proceedings

This law sets a deadline for filing a paternity case in New York. A paternity case can be started while the mother is pregnant or any time after the child is born. But once the child turns 21 years old, the case usually can no longer be filed.

There is an important exception to this deadline. If the father has already admitted in writing that he is the child's parent, or if he has been providing financial support for the child, the case can still move forward even after the child turns 21.

In short, most paternity cases must be filed before the child's 21st birthday. If the father has already taken responsibility for the child through a written statement or by giving support, the age limit does not apply.