Paternity Committed to Delivering Results

Dallas Paternity Action Attorneys

Guiding Clients Establish Paternity in Texas

Filing a paternity action could either help an individual sue a father for child support or enable a father to receive paternal rights. Establishing paternity can help mothers receive the support they need to care for their child and ensure that fathers can build a lasting relationship with their child(ren).

At Mueller Family Law Group , our Dallas paternity action lawyers can help you progress your paternity case, representing you and defending your parental rights in and out of court.

To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (214) 225-6766.

How Paternity Affects Child Custody & Support

Divorce can force a period of change and accommodation, which is usually very difficult for any children affected by the divorce. Most couples are eager to end a fractious relationship and look forward to a better future, but children are often unsure of their own. In the best interests of the children, Texas courts usually award custody to one parent and order the other to pay child support.

The Attorney General of Texas provides assistance to parents seeking child support, which is essential for successfully raising a healthy and happy child. In Texas, like elsewhere in the country, parents are supposed to decide child custody issues and visitation without intervention.

Sometimes, a child’s paternity has not been clearly established. If this is the case, the Texas child support division administered by the Attorney General of Texas helps establish paternity so that child support obligations and visitation can be determined.

How is Paternity Established in TX?

In Texas, if paternity needs to be established the parents can sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity form, which is then filed with the Texas Vital Statistics office. If the mother or the presumed father is unsure of the child’s paternity, then it must be established by the court.

Texas law states that if both parents sign the acknowledgment form, then they are the legal parents. Once paternity is established, the non-custodial parent is responsible for paying child support. The parent who has child custody allows the non-custodial parent to visit the child unless otherwise stipulated. A child’s paternity may be established in Texas even if the child is not currently living in the state.

Establishing paternity is often a crucial factor in protecting the best interests of the child because paternity identification is closely linked with the child’s financial well-being. To ensure that a child is not deprived of what is needed to grow and thrive, a custodial parent will likely want to know all of the legal options to obtain support.

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Understanding Paternity Actions in Texas

At the heart of every paternity case is determining the truth. Establishing paternity is extremely important in many aspects of family law. DNA testing has been proven to be more than 99% accurate in establishing or disproving parentage.

If parents cannot come to an agreement, child custody issues will be decided by the Texas family court. Sometimes, a child’s paternity has not been clearly established. If this is the case, the Texas child support division administered by the Attorney General of Texas helps establish paternity so that child support obligations and visitation can be determined.

During paternity actions, the party filing for paternity works with the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to establish paternity. There are two primary ways to establish paternity in Texas:

Obtaining a court-ordered DNA test. The alleged father will take the DNA test to determine whether they are the child's father, after which they may be added to the child's birth certificate (and the other parent may request child support if they act as the child's sole custodial parent).
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP). Non-married biological parents can use an AOP to voluntarily establish paternity. The parties engaged in a paternity action must work with AOP-certified entities (as recognized by the OAG) to use an AOP to resolve a paternity action.

The OAG can also help fathers who believe they are involved in a case of mistaken paternity terminate their parental rights, removing them from paternal child support obligations they may have.

Alternatively, mothers sometimes accuse fathers of mistaken paternity during child custody cases. This can prevent a father from being involved in day-to-day decision-making for a child's medical and educational needs and could prohibit custody rights. We have helped many fathers prove their biological relationship with their children through paternity actions and DNA testing.

At Mueller Family Law Group , our Dallas paternity action lawyers understand how to help clients navigate paternity actions. We help mothers and fathers with:

Establishing parentage to obtain child support
Defending against unwarranted child support claims
Proving parentage to secure parental rights

Our understanding of the Uniform Parentage Act and other state and federal laws allows us to provide strong representation to discover a child's parents.

To schedule a consultation with our team and receive the legal counsel you deserve, contact us online or via phone at (214) 225-6766.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the benefits of establishing paternity in Texas?

Establishing paternity in Texas is crucial for both parents and children. For mothers, it ensures they receive the necessary child support to provide for their child's needs. For fathers, it allows them to secure their parental rights and build a meaningful relationship with their child. Additionally, establishing paternity can provide children with access to benefits such as health insurance, social security, and inheritance rights.

How long does the paternity establishment process take in Texas?

The duration of the paternity establishment process in Texas can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. If both parents agree on paternity and sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity form, the process can be completed relatively quickly, often within a few weeks. However, if there are disputes or if a court-ordered DNA test is required, the process may take longer, potentially several months.

Can paternity be established if the child is not living in Texas?

Yes, paternity can be established in Texas even if the child is not currently residing in the state. Texas law allows for the establishment of paternity through the Acknowledgment of Paternity form or through court proceedings, regardless of the child's location. This means that parents can still secure their rights and responsibilities related to child support and custody, no matter where the child lives.

What should I do if I am facing a paternity dispute?

If you are facing a paternity dispute, it is essential to seek legal representation from a qualified paternity action attorney in Dallas. They can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and advocate for your rights. The attorney will assist you in gathering necessary evidence, such as DNA testing, and represent you in court if needed.

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