St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services v. Terry E.
This case involves an appeal from an order of the Family Court of St. Lawrence County, which adjudicated the respondent as the father of a child born to Julie D. An earlier paternity proceeding had excluded Richard M. as the father. The mother, Julie D., testified to having unprotected sexual relations with the respondent during the critical period of conception. Blood tests, including HLA and DNA analyses, indicated a high probability of the respondent's paternity. The respondent presented testimony from several witnesses attempting to cast doubt on the mother's claims and her credibility regarding other potential fathers. However, the Family Court found the mother's testimony credible and struck the testimony of the respondent's brother due to a lack of corroboration. The Appellate Division affirmed the Family Court's determination, concluding that the evidence, particularly the mother's credible testimony and the highly probative blood test results, amply supported the paternity finding. The court also found no merit to the respondent's contention of ineffective assistance of counsel.