Comprehensive Support for Paternity and Child Custody Issues

For many unmarried fathers, establishing paternity becomes one of the most challenging and contentious aspects of a family law case. In addition to establishing paternity, many other legal issues must also be decided, including child support and child custody matters.

Paternity matters can be challenging to navigate without the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Palmer Law Group is committed to helping fathers protect their parental rights and be part of a child’s life, if that is their wish. Contact our Katy, TX law firm today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your paternity issues and determine what legal options best suit your needs.

How Does an Unmarried Father Establish Legal Paternity in Texas?

If a couple is married, it is assumed that the husband is the biological father. However, when unwed couples have a baby together, the process becomes slightly more complicated.

In Texas, an unmarried father can establish legal paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) with the child’s mother. The AOP can be signed by both parents at the hospital when the child is born. An AOP may also be signed later at a Vital Statistics Unit.

If there is a dispute or doubt as to who the biological father is, the case can go in front of a judge who will order a DNA test to be administered. Based on the test results, the court will declare the potential father the legal father. Once someone is declared a legal father, they will be added to the child’s birth certificate.

How Can I Establish Paternity if the Child’s Mother Does Not Want to Cooperate?

Texas law allows a potential father to establish paternity in several ways. One standard method is for an individual to hire an attorney who can file a Petition to Adjudicate Parentage in court if the child’s mother is unwilling to cooperate. By filing the petition, you are asserting that you are the legal father and requesting that the court intervene to determine parentage.

The alternative is to apply to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which can also assist you with establishing paternity. The OAG can also initiate court proceedings requesting that a judge order a DNA test to be completed to determine if you are the biological father.

Once the judge reviews the test results and determines that you are the father, you will be added to the birth certificate.

Once I Establish Paternity, Will I Automatically Be Granted Visitation Rights?

Even if you have been declared the biological father, you will not automatically be granted visitation rights. Unfortunately, that is not the case. After establishing paternity, you will then have to go to court and request visitation rights. Without a valid court order, you will not necessarily be granted visitation rights or custody.

As in any other child custody case, the judge will determine whether visitation or child custody is appropriate. Texas courts always make decisions based on what they believe is in a child’s best interests, and paternity cases are no exception.

If the court orders that you should be granted visitation and custody rights, it will also most likely order that you pay child support. In most cases, Texas courts prefer to grant joint custody so the child can maintain a relationship with both parents.

The most effective way to ensure you enjoy the same rights as other fathers is to hire an attorney who can build a solid case on your behalf.

What Legal Benefits Come With Establishing Paternity?

Not only does establishing paternity name you as the legal father, but it also opens the door to several other advantages that you and your child can benefit from. Once you have established legal fatherhood, you have the right to seek custody and visitation, and to make critical decisions regarding the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing.

Your child will also become eligible to receive government benefits, such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits, if needed. Under Texas law, you can also add them to your health insurance policy to ensure they receive proper medical care. Your child will also now have the legal right to inherit from you after you pass away. Even more importantly, your child will have access to their family medical history and will be able to establish strong bonds with you and your extended family.

Establishing paternity also helps the mother, as she will not have to worry about the financial burden of trying to raise a child alone. Your child’s mother will also have the benefit of having extra support if she needs to make challenging decisions regarding the child’s health or well-being.

Contact our Katy Paternity Lawyers to Learn More About Your Legal Rights

If you are having legal issues trying to navigate paternity issues, you must hire a lawyer immediately. Only a skilled lawyer can help you with the legal complexities involved in paternity cases. We know you simply want to spend time and build a strong relationship with your child.

When you come to us for assistance, our goal is to help you resolve your legal issue quickly and efficiently. No matter whether you agree or disagree with being named a father, our paternity lawyers will work diligently to safeguard your legal rights.

Contact our Katy, TX law firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at (713) 766-5848