Houston Paternity Attorneys

How Is Paternity Established?

In Texas, there are five major ways in which paternity may be established:

• The man admits to conceiving the child
• The man’s paternity is assumed, and the man doesn’t provide a rebuttal
• The child is adopted by the man
• The man’s paternity is ruled by the court, such as after a paternity test
• The man admits to providing a means of assisted reproduction

If any of these methods are utilized in the process of establishing the parents of the child, that information may be used to start negotiating the terms of the parental agreement for that child. Decisions involving child support and custody will be made after paternity is legally established.

Why Hire a Lawyer for Your Paternity Case?

When you are making decisions that impact your child’s life, you need a lawyer you trust. Not only will determining paternity potentially impact custody of your child, but it may directly affect your child support arrangement. By seeking the guidance of an experienced lawyer, you can better understand your rights and legal options moving forward. A skilled paternity attorney will provide assistance tailored to your needs.

Since the outcome of a paternity case can have lasting and significant consequences for all parties involved, finding a skilled attorney is essential.

From deciding custody and visitation rights to financial obligations, these cases will affect the parents’ and children’s lives for years to come. As a result, it is important to be well-advised so you can protect your rights as you progress through a paternity case. Paternity matters can be time-sensitive, so it is advisable to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced Houston paternity lawyer will ensure you understand your duties and rights and will increase the likelihood of your case reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

Paternity Cases We Handle in Houston & Beyond

In Texas, a presumed father is the man treated as the father until parentage can be formally established. If a child was born during a marriage, the husband is typically the presumed father. In certain circumstances, a man may be presumed as the father if he voluntarily fulfills the role. For example, by signing the birth certificate or treating the child as his own, a man may become the presumed father.

When paternity is established, in addition to necessary financial support, the child has the following rights from the father:

• Right to inherit
• Eligible for health benefits from father’s insurance policy
• Social security benefits
• Death benefits

Either parent may seek to establish paternity by requesting paternity tests. Establishing paternity holds great importance because both parents have duties they must fulfill for their children. Only if paternity is determined will the father have legal responsibilities and rights under the law.

What Are the Different Types of Paternity Tests?

To establish paternity, the court will allow an alleged father to take a paternity test. Paternity tests are a fast and reliable means for establishing biological paternity. Though many different tests are available, some are used more frequently than others.

The most common forms of paternity tests involve taking various elements from a child and their potential father, such as:

• Hair follicles
• Blood samples
• Spit-swab samples

If a man feels that his presumed paternity is not warranted, he can attempt to disprove and refute the parentage through legal processes. A lawyer will keep alleged fathers aware of their legal rights and help them explore their options moving forward.

Establishing Paternity: Legal Rights & Responsibilities

Establishing paternity is crucial for fathers, mothers, and children to ensure legal rights and responsibilities are recognized. Our experienced Houston paternity attorneys can assist you in navigating the legal process of establishing paternity, whether through voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing, or court orders.

Benefits of establishing paternity include:

• Access to child support and medical benefits
• Legal rights to custody and visitation
• Inheritance rights for the child
• Emotional and psychological benefits for the child
• Building a strong parent-child relationship

Don't hesitate to reach out to our team to learn more about how we can help you with paternity issues and rights. The process can be complex, and a misstep could jeopardize your right to custody of your child or your right to support from your child's father. We can protect your rights and take the correct steps to establish or contest paternity.

Contact Our Paternity Lawyers in Houston, TX

If you have questions about paternity cases, you need not navigate the legal complexities of your case alone. Reach out to an experienced paternity lawyer today for help establishing parentage.

The outcome of a paternity test can have a drastic impact on your life and your child’s life. With the support of a paternity lawyer, you can feel confident that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. Our lawyers are here to help you uncover the truth and legally access the resources that your child deserves.

The experienced paternity attorneys of Diggs & Sadler can guide you through the necessary steps to determine paternity and take appropriate action regarding your child’s rights.

Schedule a consultation with a member of our Houston legal team to learn more about how we can help you with your paternity questions —contact us today by calling (713) 766-5355.