Lewisville Paternity Attorney

Helping Fathers Establish Paternity in Texas

Paternity is identified as the legal state of being a father. Although a man may be recognized as the biological father of a child, paternity is a way of acknowledging that the man is also the legal father. This helps the father secure their legal rights over the child. It must also be established in order to determine such things as child support and visitation rights.

Are you a single mother in need of child support, or the biological father wanting custody or visitation rights over your child? Haugen Law Firm, P.C. can help. Our Denton County family law lawyer understands the importance of establishing paternity and is determined to provide clients with the representation needed to handle their important paternity needs.

Need Help Establishing Paternity?
Contact us today at (972) 436-8750 for experienced legal assistance!

How Do I Establish Paternity?

Establishing paternity is extremely important for both parents involved. Not only does it help the father receive proper visitation rights, but it can also help the mother claim child support from the legal father. Without paternity being established, visitation rights and child support cannot be determined. In order to establish paternity, an Acknowledgement of Paternity must be filled out by both parents of the child and then turned in to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Once it becomes official, the father's name will be placed on the child's birth certificate. The court is then able to enforce visitation rights and establish an appropriate sum of child support be provided to the main caretaker of the child. This process may run into important legal issues that need to be addressed as well as complex paternity proceedings that a person must go through. By having an experienced Denton County divorce lawyer on your side, you can better understand the legal processes and get started in a prompt and effective manner.

What If a Parent Does Not Want to Establish Paternity?

When one parent does not wish to establish paternity, it does not mean that all hope is lost. If the father of your child does not want to be responsible for child support or if the mother of your child refuses to let you visit, it is important to speak with a Denton County family law lawyer as soon as possible. Our law firm understands the severity and significance behind this type of situation. We are committed to thoroughly reviewing the unique cases of our clients and making sure that they get the appropriate amount of child support or visitation rights that they are entitled to.

Our goal is to settle the paternity issues of our clients and bring them peace of mind. If the father of the child does not believe that the child is his, a free paternity testing can be done. In general, it is best to establish paternity at the hospital right after the child is born with a Denton County birth certificate. This takes away from a lot of unnecessary confusion that can come up. To learn more about establishing paternity with a birth certificate in Denton County, call our office!

The Importance of Legal Paternity in Texas

Establishing paternity is crucial for both the father and the child. It not only acknowledges the biological connection but also secures legal rights for both parties. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Father’s Legal Rights: Once paternity is established, the father gains the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. This includes decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• Child’s Inheritance Rights: The child has the legal right to inherit from both parents, which can be crucial for financial security. Without legal paternity, the child may be denied this right.
• Access to Benefits: Establishing paternity allows the child to access various benefits, such as insurance, Social Security, or military benefits from the father.
• Emotional Connection: Legal paternity also solidifies the relationship between the father and child, ensuring that the father can be involved in the child’s life and make important parenting decisions.

Steps for Fathers to Establish Paternity in Texas

For fathers, the process of establishing paternity is essential in securing their parental rights. Here’s how the process works:

Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP):

• If both parents agree, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital or later at the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This legally establishes paternity without the need for a court hearing.

DNA Testing:

• If there is a dispute over paternity, a DNA test may be necessary. The court can order DNA testing to confirm the biological father.

Court Action:

• If either parent challenges paternity, a court hearing may be required. The father can petition the court to establish paternity through DNA testing or other evidence.

Child’s Birth Certificate:

• Once paternity is established, the father’s name will be added to the child’s birth certificate, securing legal recognition of his parental rights.

What Happens If Paternity Is Not Established?

If paternity is not legally established, several important rights and responsibilities are affected:

• No Custody or Visitation Rights: Without paternity, the father has no legal right to custody or visitation. This means he cannot seek to spend time with the child or make decisions regarding the child's care.
• No Legal Child Support: The mother cannot claim child support from the father unless paternity is established. This can leave the child without the financial support they deserve.
• Lack of Inheritance and Benefits: If paternity is not established, the child may not be entitled to inherit from the father or receive benefits like health insurance or Social Security.
• Complicated Legal Process: Without a legal acknowledgment of paternity, the process of obtaining child support or seeking custody or visitation rights becomes more complicated and may require court intervention.

In short, failing to establish paternity can create significant challenges for both parents and the child, preventing the father from having a meaningful relationship with the child and complicating the child’s future financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can paternity be established if the father is not present at the hospital?
  Yes, paternity can still be established later through the signing of an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or through DNA testing if necessary. It’s important to address this promptly to secure the father’s rights.
• What if the father doesn’t want to establish paternity?
  If the father is unwilling to sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity, the mother can petition the court to establish paternity through DNA testing. A judge will make a determination based on the results.
• Does establishing paternity automatically grant custody to the father?
  No, establishing paternity doesn’t automatically grant custody. It gives the father legal recognition, but custody arrangements still need to be addressed through legal proceedings, usually focusing on the child’s best interests.
• How long does it take to establish paternity in Texas?
  If both parents voluntarily agree, paternity can be established quickly, often at the hospital or through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. If court intervention is necessary, the process could take several weeks or months, depending on the case.
• Can paternity be disputed after it’s been legally established?
  Yes, if new evidence arises, such as DNA testing showing a different biological father, paternity can be challenged. However, once paternity is legally established and the child has received benefits, such as child support, the process may become more complicated.
• What happens if the father does not pay child support after paternity is established?
  Once paternity is established, the father is legally obligated to pay child support. If he fails to comply, the mother can seek enforcement through the court, which may impose penalties or wage garnishments.
• Can a father gain custody rights after paternity is established?
  Yes, once paternity is legally recognized, the father can petition for custody or visitation rights. The court will then consider the child’s best interests when making a custody determination.

Contact Our Denton County Paternity Attorney Today

If you are in need of establishing paternity or you want to understand more about the benefits involved, now is the time to discuss your important legal matters with a representative at our firm. At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we have the resources and experience needed to properly guide clients through the process of establishing paternity and addressing complex issues that are brought up. If you are a single mother seeking to get the appropriate amount of child support from the biological father, paternity must be recognized. The same goes for the biological father wanting to exercise his legal rights and be able to visit his child. Without paternity being identified, the biological father has no rights.