Guiding Parents Through Every Step of the Paternity Process

Texas has specific rules for establishing paternity. In most instances, if the parents of the child are married at the time of birth, the husband is the presumed father. However, establishing paternity in Texas can become more challenging if the parents are unmarried or there is a dispute regarding parentage.

No matter what your legal concerns may be, the most effective way to deal with paternity issues is to hire a qualified attorney who can safeguard your legal rights. Palmer Law Group is an Allen, TX law firm dedicated to helping those who need help with determining paternity-related issues. If you have questions about a paternity case, contact our law firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and address your concerns.

How is Paternity Established in Texas?

There are several ways to establish paternity in Texas for an unmarried individual, including a voluntary or court-ordered process.

Voluntary Process

The most common method is for both parents to sign a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity (AOP) form. In most cases, parents voluntarily sign the form at the hospital, although it can also be signed at the Vital Statistics Unit, child support office, or local birth registrar. If the form is signed at a location other than the hospital, it is sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit for addition to the child’s birth certificate.

Court-Ordered Process

If the parents cannot agree on paternity issues, then either one can file a paternity lawsuit. A judge can then order a DNA test to establish legal paternity. After the test has been completed, it can determine paternity. Once the court receives the test results, it will issue a paternity order if the test indicates that the alleged father is the biological father.

If you have concerns about establishing paternity, the most effective strategy is to hire an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your voice is heard during the case proceedings.

Is a Father Automatically Granted Custody Once Paternity Has Been Established?

One of the most common misconceptions about paternity cases is that once legal paternity has been established, the father is automatically granted custody. While establishing paternity does grant specific fathers’ rights, child custody and visitation rights are addressed separately.

Unmarried mothers typically have sole legal and physical custody until the court says otherwise and issues an order granting visitation or custody. An acknowledged father who wishes to be included in a child’s life must take legal action and request custody and visitation rights. As in other child custody cases, the court will weigh several factors to determine whether granting the father’s request is in the child’s best interests.

Nevertheless, one of the most essential advantages of establishing paternity is that it gives the child inheritance rights and the ability to receive Social Security benefits if the biological father passes away while they are still a minor.

What are a Father’s Obligations Once Paternity Has Been Determined?

Once paternity has been established, the acknowledged father has several primary legal obligations, including supporting their child financially and fulfilling other legal obligations related to child custody and visitation. Under the Texas Family Code, parents are legally obligated to provide for their children’s needs. After establishing paternity, a legal father must support their child financially, which usually includes paying child support and providing health insurance coverage to cover medical expenses.

If the court determines that the father should be allowed visitation and custody, it can issue an order allowing him to make legal decisions and participate in the child’s upbringing. As with other child support cases, if a child’s father fails to provide financial support, the court can take legal action to hold the father accountable.

If the other parent refuses to allow the father to spend time with the child, a judge can hold them in contempt, sentence them to jail, or order make-up visitation days to compel compliance.

What are the Benefits of Establishing Paternity in Texas?

Establishing paternity in Texas can provide significant benefits for all parties involved. One of the most essential benefits is that established paternity allows a child to access public benefits or health insurance coverage through their father that may not have been available otherwise.

Aside from the financial benefits, determining paternity helps a child gain a clear understanding of who they are and the family they come from. Paternity also gives the child access to their father’s medical history, which is often necessary for diagnosing or treating hereditary conditions.

Establishing legal paternity also allows the father to have their name placed on the child’s birth certificate and the ability to challenge any legal decisions that may involve the child. For mothers, establishing paternity also ensures that the child’s father pays child support, easing their financial burden.

No matter what side of the case you may fall on, you will need a paternity attorney who understands the Texas legal system and will fiercely advocate for your rights.

Why is it Best to hire a Paternity Attorney to help Me With My Legal Issues?

If you have questions about a Texas paternity case, you must seek legal assistance immediately. A paternity attorney can help you understand how the legal process works and ensure that your voice is heard during all proceedings.

At Palmer Law Group, we recognize the importance of the parent-child relationship and are committed to helping parents exercise their fathers’ rights. Our highly trained paternity attorneys have extensive experience helping fathers establish paternity or challenge paternity if necessary.

If you are unsure of your legal rights or are ready to pursue a paternity case, contact our Allen, TX law firm today at (214) 617-1848 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Contact Palmer Law Group at Our Allen, Texas, Law Office to Discuss Your Legal Needs