Houston Paternity Attorneys

Assistance with Fatherhood Issues and Rights

Determining paternity is essential for establishing parental rights and responsibilities. It creates a bond between a father and a child that might not otherwise exist, allowing the father to participate in a parenting plan. When a couple has a child out of wedlock, they need to establish a parental relationship according to the state.

The mother has automatic parental rights at the child's birth, but the father of the child must work through a sometimes complex paternity system. These paternity cases are meant to legally set the parental couple together on a joint plan to provide for the child’s needs and determine who has legal decision-making responsibility.

Whether you seek to prove or disprove an alleged father’s paternity or you need help upholding your rights as a legal guardian, reach out to one of our Houston paternity lawyers.

Speak with a member of our experienced legal team today by calling us at (713) 766-5355.

How Is Paternity Established?

In the state of Texas, there are five major ways in which paternity may be established. These include the following:

• 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 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 or children have 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.

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.

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