When a child is born to a married couple, the law presumes that the mother’s husband is the baby’s father and he does not have to take any action in order for his name to appear on the child’s birth certificate. For unwed fathers, though, things are a little different. If you are the father, but are not married to your child’s mother, you will need to take some action in order to legally establish your paternity. And Moms, there are good reasons why you also will want to establish paternity.
Understanding establishing paternity starts with learning how to establish paternity in Texas under Texas paternity laws, filing a paternity affidavit Texas, securing a DNA test for paternity Texas or a court ordered paternity test Texas, advancing fathers rights paternity, triggering child support paternity Texas, completing the acknowledge paternity form, and, if needed, filing a paternity petition Texas.
In Texas, paternity can be established voluntarily or involuntarily. Let’s take a closer look:
Voluntarily: To establish paternity voluntarily, you and your child’s mother can sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity form. It is easiest to do this at the hospital at the time of birth, but it can also be done after the fact and filed with family court. Of course, if you have any questions about the paternity of your child, you should get those questions answered first before acknowledging paternity.
Involuntarily: If either parent is uncertain about the child’s biological parentage or denies it, one of them can file a Petition to Adjudicate Parentage. Establishing paternity will help secure your rights of possession and access to your child, determine how decisions will be made, and further define the obligations for supporting your child through monthly child support payments and medical insurance. If you and your child’s mother are not able to reach agreements on these issues, then the case will go to court and the judge will make a decision about paternity, which may or may not involve a court-ordered paternity test.
Next let’s look at some of the major reasons that establishing your legal paternity is beneficial both for you and for your child.
- As your child’s legal father, you have rights and responsibilities.
Once your paternity is established, you gain legal rights that come along with being a father. This can include the right to be involved in medical and educational decisions regarding your child. It also gives you the right to ask family court for custody or visitation if you and your child’s mother ever separate. Also, both the father and mother have legal obligations to support their children. Establishing paternity can clarify how much child support needs to be paid (and by whom), who is going to enroll your child in health and dental insurance, and how other expenses for your child will be paid (e.g., childcare, special needs).
- Your family’s genetic history can be important to your child’s health.
Thanks to quickly developing technology, doctors are gaining more and more insight from our genetic histories. Knowing about health issues that have impacted both sides of the family in the past can help your child’s doctors know what medical conditions may present a risk to your child. This can lead to better medical treatment and early preventative interventions.
- Establishing the Parent-Child is one of life’s greatest joys.
One of the most important aspects of being a parent, is being able to form a loving bond with your child. This bond is important, not only for you, but also for your child’s emotional health and stability. When you spend time caring for your infant, catching your toddler when he falls, teaching your daughter to peddle on the bicycle without training wheels, and all those priceless other moments you will share, you are not only enriching your own life, but you are helping to raise a secure and confident child who will grow up to be an adult one day. The love of both a father and mother is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Motherhood and fatherhood is an incredible journey, and one you don’t want to miss out on!
Dallas Child Custody Resources
- Essential Questions About Child Support
- Texas Child Support – Complex Situations
- Understanding Child Abandonment
- Guide for Texas Child‑Custody Evaluations
- Custody Conflicts: Five Kid‑Focused Challenges
- High‑Conflict Co‑Parenting Tools
- Visitation Activities for Non‑Custodial Parents
- When Your Teen Refuses to Visit a Non‑Custodial Parent
- Find a Dallas Child Custody Lawyer
Helping Families Find the Right Custody Solutions
The experienced attorneys of Hargrave Family Law are here to help with your child custody disputes and other family law needs. Whether you need a standard visitation schedule approved by the Court or a creative solution that works for you and your co-parent’s unique situations, reach out to us today to find out if we can help you find the right solution for your family.
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Hargrave Family Law – Experienced Dallas Child Custody Lawyers
Hargrave Family Law was founded by compassionate Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave with a strong mission in mind. Using non-adversarial techniques, our firm advocates for you and your family during this challenging life transition in a way that helps you protect what matters most. Reach out to our team of caring Dallas family law attorneys at Hargrave Family Law for the support you need to navigate divorce and other family law matters. We offer a complimentary case evaluation to start your journey with us. Together, we will work towards safeguarding the happiness and well-being of your family, allowing you to write your next chapter with hope.
