Houston Paternity Attorney

Establishing Paternity When Parents Disagree

Involuntary paternity is obtained through a court order. It is involuntary because one party disputes paternity, whether that be the mother, father, child, or the state.

You can begin this process by filing a “Petition to Adjudicate Parentage” in the court that has jurisdiction in the county the child lives in.

If the mother files the petition, then the father will need to appear in court, if they fail to do so then the judge can enact a “default order”, declaring him the legal father. If the father attends court and they both agree that he is the biological father then the court will enter an order adjudicating parentage.

If one party denies or is unsure of paternity then the court could order DNA testing, which requires the father, mother, and child to have a cheek swab. The court can then determine if he is the child’s biological father, if so, his name will be added to the birth certificate.

During a court proceeding to establish paternity, you have the right to be represented by a father’s rights lawyer at any stage of the process.

Why Does Paternity Matter?

Paternity is about more than having your name on a piece of paper. When paternity is established it benefits everyone.

Fathers gain legal rights to their children, including custody or visitation rights, so that they can form a bond and play a role in the child’s life.

Mothers benefit as they can share the costs and responsibilities of raising a child.

Finally, it allows children to have a relationship with both parents, access to medical insurance, inheritance, as well as many other benefits. Furthermore, the child can also learn about their family history, including medical history such as whether or not they may be susceptible to genetic disease.

Non-Biological Fathers

Some of the most complex issues arise when non-biological fathers seek father’s rights. A non-biological father can still gain father’s rights if they formally adopt the child.

If you are the non-biological father of a child and think you deserve parental rights, then you should speak to a father’s rights lawyer in Houston.

What Are Father’s Rights?

Once your name is on the birth certificate, you will have parental rights. That includes:

Unfit Parent

If you believe that the other parent is unfit to raise your child and that you should have sole child custody, you should contact a father’s rights lawyer as soon as possible.

We can help you file emergency protective orders with the court to make sure that your child is safe.

It won’t be easy to gain sole custody. Courts in Houston, TX will usually try and keep both parents in a child’s life wherever possible. However, they are also required to make decisions based on the child’s best interests. Therefore, if you can evidence why the child’s other parent is unfit, then you may be able to gain primary custody.

paternity lawyer in houston, tx

If you are worried about your paternity rights in Houston, Texas, then you need quality representation. Paternity is an important issue that will affect you for the rest of your life.

As well as the rights mentioned above, if you are a child’s legal father, you may also have legal requirements placed upon you such as paying child support and having regular visitation with the child.

When it comes to family law cases, Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers has the skills, resources, and experience necessary to protect your rights.

A Texas family law lawyer at Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers will work closely with you throughout the whole process. They will be on hand to speak with you directly, answer any questions you have, and guide you through the process with a personalized approach.