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Paternity Lawyers Helping Families Establish Legal Parentage

Legal fatherhood in Texas changes lives for parents and children by creating lasting rights and duties. Paternity cases involve intense emotions and complex legal rules. Solving these issues requires a close look at the law and the family’s needs.

You might be a father who wants rights or a mother who needs child support. Some people have doubts about who the father is. A paternity lawyer can help families settle legal issues regarding biological identity. At Shea Beaty Poet PLLC, our attorneys will look at your case and explain how to prove or contest a DNA link. Our legal team provides clear, dedicated help for every case.

Establishing Paternity In Texas

Texas law offers a few ways to name a legal father. These are:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity forms: Unmarried parents sign this form to name the legal father without a court date.
  • Presumed paternity in marriage: The state says a husband is the legal father if the parents are married when the mother gives birth or if the child is born within 300 days of the marriage ending.
  • Court-ordered paternity testing: A judge orders a DNA test if people do not agree on the father.
  • Registry of paternity: Unmarried fathers sign up here to receive notice of adoption or termination of parental rights proceedings.

Choosing the right path depends on how well the parents get along.

Legal Rights After Proving Paternity

Proving a genetic relationship gives rights and duties to both parents. After a court names the father, the law gives these rights and responsibilities:

  • Custody and visitation rights: The court sets a plan for the child to spend time with each parent.
  • Decision-making authority: Parents get to choose doctors, schools and religious paths.
  • Child support obligations: The parent who does not live with the child may be ordered by the court to pay child support.
  • Inheritance rights for the child: Under state law, the child may have the right to inherit assets from the father after he dies.
  • Access to medical history and records: Families can see health and birth records for the child.

These legal rules stay in place until the child is an adult.

Discuss Your Paternity Case With Us

Solving fatherhood issues may help prevent future disputes over rights and duties. Contact our office to review your next steps. Call Shea Beaty Poet PLLC at 903-357-5269 to schedule a consultation.