Blog Layout

Establishing Paternity in Texas

Having a legal father in Texas, and any other state for that matter, comes with numerous advantages. First are the intangible benefits, which include emotional security and support and paternal guidance. Second, the determined biological father will also be obliged to provide child support to the mother for education, health care, and other child care expenses. Third is securing the child’s future through government benefits, inheritance rights, insurance claims, worker’s compensation in case of father’s death, and more.


The same goes for the biological father who wants to establish paternity — There is nothing more rewarding for a parent than to help his child and spend quality time with them whenever possible. Here in the Lone Star State, there are three known ways on how this is possible.


Voluntary Acknowledgement


The most immediate way to establish paternity is during the time of birth of the child. The parents, regardless if they are married, can properly accomplish, sign, and file an Acknowledgement of Paternity, which will immediately determine that the signed father is the child’s biological and uncontested father. If either parents change their decision for whatever reason, they can withdraw the Acknowledgement of Paternity within 60 days of filing.


Paternity Through Presumption


Under Texas law, the man married to the mother of the child within 300 days after birth is presumed as the father. This can be further supported in the future by a marriage certificate and the child’s birth certificate. If there is no marriage, the father can still legally presume paternity if he has been living with and taking care of the child during his/her first two years after birth and is publicly declaring that he is the father. The presumption can be contested and declined through properly filing the Denial of Paternity.


Court Order


If the two above mentioned ways are not accomplished or if there is a complication in the future, this is where a paternity suit, or the Adjudication of Parenthood, comes in. The judge can order a genetic/DNA test as per request in order to determine the child’s biological father. Once proven, the court orders the deemed parental rights and obligations to the father, i.e. visitation rights, child support. Often times this method requires a family lawyer with ample experience and know-how in paternity cases.


Did you know that Mike Warner is known to provide expert legal counsel for paternity cases in Amarillo Texas? If you are currently looking for a legal representative, you can count on The Warner Law Firm in resolving your paternity case with as minimal stress as possible. Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.

By Ozment Media 16 Jul, 2020
Click here for more information on Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for Fender Bender? For more info in regards to a possible case in Amarillo give us call.
By Ozment Media 17 Jan, 2020
Click here to learn more on Why You Need a Family Law Attorney for a Domestic Violence Case. For additional info on cases in Amarillo Texas give us a call.
By Ozment Media 17 Oct, 2019
Click here to learn more about enforcing child custody orders here in Amarillo Texas. For more information give us a call to schedule a free consultation.
By Ozment Media 17 Jul, 2019
Click here to learn the difference in regards to marijuana and hemp & how it relates to legal matters here in the Amarillo, Panhandle Texas area.
By Ozment Media 15 Apr, 2019
Click here to learn more about Divorce Mediation in Amarillo Texas – Everything that You Need to Know About it or call us today for a Free Consultation
By Ozment Media 15 Feb, 2019
Click here to learn Why Do You Need an Amarillo Attorney in 18-Wheeler Accidents? For more info or for a Free Consultation call us today.
By Ozment Media 15 Oct, 2018
Click here to learn the Reasons Why You Need a Amarillo Divorce Lawyer, Divorce Attorney Amarillo Texas. For more info call our office today for a Free Consultation
By Ozment Media 15 Aug, 2018
For more information on Amarillo 18 Wheeler Accidents and How to Handle after the Collision. Click this link or call our office today for a Free Consultation
By Ozment Media 15 Jun, 2018
Click here to learn some of the benefits of hiring a lawyer for your child custody case here in the Amarillo Texas area.
By Ozment Media 15 May, 2018
Click here to learn some of the tips that we have found to help kids deal with divorce in the Amarillo Texas area.
More Posts
Share by: