In Texas, establishing paternity is required when a child born of unmarried parents. These laws were created so as to avoid issues in the future that may affect the child’s health, well-being, and best interests. When the parents are married, our state laws recognize that the child’s mother and father are also husband and wife.
Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers has experience handling many contentious family law matters, including paternity issues. Whether you are looking to prove your paternity to the courts, or you are in the midst of a dispute and need to challenge paternity, our firm can help you sort out the issue straight away.
The Legal Steps for Proving Paternity
Determining paternity is important when deciding the outcome of matters such as child custody, child support, and visitation. A father has the duty of providing care and support to his child. In recognition of this, the law regards the biological father to act in this role for his child. When the father acknowledges his paternity, the parents will file an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form.
Paternity is established in these ways:
- The father’s identity is presumed (e.g., through marriage)
- The father acknowledges his paternity
- A court order is enforced on the father to carry out his responsibilities
The father has the right to validate paternity, as well as object to any claims that the mother makes, as well. A father can ask the courts to order a DNA test to prove his paternity. This is useful in cases where the mother is convinced about the identity of her child’s father, but the man is doubtful and wants to disprove the allegation.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family Lawyer
As Denton and Collins County family law attorneys, we at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers know how much fathers wish to be apart of their children’s lives, in every capacity. We also know children fare significantly from having the love and companionship of a father by their side as they grow and develop. We are a legal firm staffed by individuals who have families of their own. Because of this, we are keen to our clients’ particular needs and strive to achieve a result that is most favorable else.
Looking for legal counsel to assist you with your paternity case? Reach out to Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers today by calling (940) 293-2313!