Paternity Don't Just Get Through It. Move Beyond It.

Dallas Paternity Action Attorneys

Guiding Clients Through Paternity Cases in Texas

A paternity action can go in one of two directions: helping a mother secure child support from a father who hasn't acknowledged the child, or helping a father establish legal rights to be part of his child's life. Either way, the outcome shapes custody, support, and the legal relationship between parent and child for years to come.

At Mueller Family Law Group, our Dallas paternity action lawyers represent both mothers and fathers, guiding you through the process and defending your parental rights in and out of court.

Board-Certified Guidance for Paternity Cases

Because paternity actions carry lasting consequences for custody, support, and your legal relationship with your child, the credentials of your attorney matter. Every partner at Mueller Family Law Group is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — a distinction earned by fewer than 7% of licensed attorneys statewide. That means the guidance you receive on a paternity case comes from genuine, specialized experience, not general practice.

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

How Paternity Affects Child Custody & Support

Divorce and separation are hard enough on children without added uncertainty about who their legal parents are. Texas courts prioritize the best interests of the child, which usually means awarding custody to one parent and ordering the other to pay child support — but neither can happen until paternity is legally established.

If paternity hasn't been clearly established, the Texas child support division, administered by the Attorney General of Texas, can help determine it so that support obligations and visitation rights can move forward.

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

How Is Paternity Established in Texas?

There are two primary ways to establish paternity in Texas:

Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP). If both parents agree on paternity, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form and file it with Texas Vital Statistics. Once both parents sign, they are recognized as the child's legal parents. Non-married biological parents work with AOP-certified entities recognized by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to complete this process.
Court-ordered DNA testing. If either parent is unsure or disputes paternity, the court can order a DNA test — proven more than 99% accurate in establishing or disproving parentage. Once confirmed, the father may be added to the child's birth certificate, and the custodial parent may then pursue child support.

Once paternity is legally established, the non-custodial parent becomes responsible for child support, and the custodial parent must allow visitation unless the court has ordered otherwise. Importantly, paternity can be established in Texas even if the child no longer lives in the state.

Establishing paternity isn't just a legal formality — it directly affects a child's financial security and their right to a relationship with both parents. That's why getting it right matters, whichever side of the case you're on.

When Paternity Is Disputed

Not every paternity case is straightforward. We regularly help clients on both sides of contested paternity claims:

Fathers who believe they've been wrongly identified as a child's parent can work with the OAG to terminate parental rights and the child support obligations that come with them.
Fathers facing false claims of mistaken paternity — sometimes raised during custody disputes to limit a father's involvement in medical, educational, or day-to-day decisions — can use DNA testing and legal action to prove and protect their parental rights.

How We Help

Our Dallas paternity action attorneys assist both mothers and fathers with:

Establishing parentage to secure child support
Defending against unwarranted child support claims
Proving parentage to secure or protect custody and visitation rights

Our understanding of the Uniform Parentage Act, along with other state and federal law, allows us to build strong, well-supported cases regardless of which side of a paternity dispute you're on.

To discuss your paternity case with our Dallas team, contact us online or call (214) 225-6766.

Paternity FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 214-225-6766 today!

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.

Different By Design Your Future Deserves a Board-Certified Level of Care and Attention

When your future, family, and financial stability are on the line, you need verified authority. Every single partner at Mueller Family Law Group is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction held by fewer than 1% of all Texas attorneys. From leadership on the Texas Family Law Foundation Legislative Committee to diplomate membership in the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (limited to the top 100 trial lawyers nationwide), our attorneys don’t simply follow Texas family law. We help write it.

See how we stand out

“They are some of the most zealous advocates I've ever seen, but careful and methodical.”
“After struggling with two other family law attorneys for 4 years, we switched over to Mueller Family Law, who was able to accomplish much more for our family than any prior attorney.”

R.S.
“I have had the best experience here and will always highly recommend them to my friends and family.”
Mueller Family Law is truly the best of the best. Jim Mueller and his team are top-notch. You cannot beat them as far as responsiveness, professionalism, and knowledge of the law. I have had the best experience here and will always highly recommend them to my friends and family. This firm knows how to win!

D.D.
“The firm recommended we try for a Collaborative divorce, and we did so successfully in about 90 days.”
“I used Janet Brumley at a most difficult time in my life, the end of a 15-year marriage with 4 children. The firm recommended we try for a Collaborative divorce, and we did so successfully in about 90 days. Obviously, a Collaborative divorce requires both”

A.S.
“They have become friends of the family and are very kind and conscientious of the emotional state that the client is going through at the time.”
“Jim Mueller, and Greg Beane took on an insurmountable task. They were excellent at keeping us informed, they took on the Colorado court system with a child custody suit.”

R.M.
“I can’t imagine having gone through this process without you.”
You have been my counselor, therapist, mentor, advisor – and most of all- my friend. I can’t imagine having gone through this process without you.

J.M.
“Whatever your needs are, they will find a way to help you and get the results you need.”
These attorneys are simply the best, they know what they are doing and do it well. They pay attention to their clients and provide the best advice. Whatever your needs are, they will find a way to help you and get the results you need.

L.Y.
“I had a great experience using this firm's Family Law approach for my divorce and then several years later for my prenuptial.”
I had a great experience using this firm's Family Law approach for my divorce and then several years later for my prenuptial. Janet Brumley was so knowledgeable and professional, and a genuine pleasure to work with. I have recommended them often without reservation.

C.A.
“Your diligence and thoroughness saved the day.”
I feel that at every turn, you went way beyond the call of duty. I had a friend whose care went beyond the legal proceeding of the job. Your diligence and thoroughness saved the day.

N.B.

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