Dallas Paternity Lawyer
Why Establish Paternity in Texas?
Paternity issues encompass child custody, visitation, father's rights, and child support. It is important for both mothers and fathers to be a part of their child's lives, and establishing paternity can help all families, regardless of whether you are unmarried, separated or divorced.
Legally establishing paternity can help both mothers and fathers:
- If you are a mother seeking child support, you will need to establish your child's paternity to obtain a support order from the court.
- If you are a father seeking visitation or custody, you may need to legally establish paternity to recover your rights as a father.
If you are seeking to resolve a paternity-related dispute in Dallas, Mathur Law Offices, P.C. can help you stand up for the rights of your child and your rights as a parent. Our team is well-versed in the complexities of the legal system. We understand the ins and outs of Texas family law and are ready to draw from our extensive knowledge to give you the best chance of a favorable case outcome.
How to Establish Paternity in Texas
Texas law states that, if a man and woman have a child and are not married, the child does not have a legal father unless the parents establish the child's paternity.
Paternity can be established in several ways:
- Acknowledgement at birth: The easiest way to establish paternity is to complete and Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital when the child is born.
- Filing a paternity action to request a DNA test: You can also establish paternity by filing an action with the court. When a paternity action is filed with the court, the court will order a DNA test to resolve the matter. Depending upon the results of the test, the man is either informed he has no legal obligation or rights concerning the child or that he does.
- Involuntarily through a court order: Establishing paternity through a court order allows a father to proceed with a legal action in a family law court to request joint or sole custody or visitation rights.
- Presumption: If the child's mother was married to someone other than the child's biological father within 300 days of the child's birth, he is presumed to be the father. The presumed father will be recognized as the child's father unless he signs a "Denial of Paternity" form.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Paternity can offer numerous benefits for your child's well-being and relationship.
- Father-Child Relationship: Having a health relationship with a father who is involved in a child's life can have positive effects on a child's development.
- Financial: The child can be eligible for benefits, such as health insurance, child support, inheritance, and other financial benefits through the father.
- Medical: The child will be able to know their medical history and if they have a predisposition for certain diseases or genetic disorders.
Contact us at (888) 867-5191 to Learn More
We are well aware that a child will weather a divorce more easily with both parents actively providing love and companionship. A family law attorney at our firm is understanding about the sensitivity of a paternity issue and is prepared to assist you.
Contact Mathur Law Offices, P.C. for a consultation.