Counsel For Paternity Disputes In Texas
Marriage isn’t as common as it once was, which can create a big problem for unwed fathers in Texas. Paternity actions are often necessary to establish parental rights. With different classifications regarding paternity, such as alleged father, presumed father, equitable parent, and stepparent, it is easy to become overwhelmed and confused. For this reason and many others, it can be very helpful to consult with an experienced attorney like ours at Shemesh Family Law. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the legal process and protect your rights as a parent.
The Basics Of Texas Paternity Laws
For obvious biological reasons, the identity of a child’s mother is rarely ever in question, and she automatically gains parental rights. Things are more complicated with men, however – especially when they are not married to the mother of their child. Texas is one of many states that ties men’s parental rights to marriage. If a man and woman are married at the time of birth and the man is the biological father, he is automatically granted paternity, or legal fatherhood.
If a man is unmarried, however, he has no immediate or automatic parental rights. Paternity must be established in one of two ways. The easiest way is for both parents to sign an “Acknowledgement of Paternity” form. The other way is for either parent to obtain a court order establishing the man as the father.
The Importance Of Paternity
Why is establishing paternity important? For men, it is the necessary first step to gaining any other parental rights, including the right to seek child custody or visitation. For women, establishing paternity also establishes the responsibilities of legal fatherhood, such as child support. Paternity is important for children in many ways, including providing a stronger sense of lineage and identity, accessing the medical history of their father’s side of the family and gaining inheritance rights if their father were to pass away.
Why Work With A Lawyer On Your Paternity Matter?
Establishing paternity can be complex if one party contests a claim of biological fatherhood. Obviously, things are much more straightforward if both parents agree on who the father is and are willing to say so in an official capacity, but even this scenario can come with complications.
Regardless of whether you are the mother or father, working with an experienced attorney is the best way to protect your own interests and the well-being of your children. Our firm is exclusively focused on Texas family law, and our team of dedicated attorneys works tirelessly to help our clients achieve favorable outcomes. To save everyone time, money and stress, we typically pursue negotiated, out-of-court resolutions whenever possible. That being said, our attorneys are also skilled litigators who will not hesitate to take your matter to trial, when needed.
Discuss Your Paternity Matter With Our Skilled Family Law Attorneys
If you have questions about your parental rights or want to establish paternity, our knowledgeable lawyers at Shemesh Family Law are ready to provide answers and guidance. To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced paternity law attorneys, call our Dallas office at 214-504-2127. You can also reach us using our online contact form. We offer a 30-minute consultation for new clients, and we serve the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area. Se habla español.