Ways To Establish Paternity In Texas

Paternity is a term with a specific legal meaning. It refers to the legal relationship between a father and child. There may be no question about who a child's biological father is, but the father won't be considered the legal father until paternity has been formally established.

Why Is It Important To Establish Paternity?

For a mother, establishing paternity ensures that she has a legal basis to pursue financial support from the father until the child turns 18. For a father, paternity is a stepping stone to getting custody and visitation rights and being able to have a say in how the child is raised.

A Name On a Birth Certificate Does Not Establish Paternity

Many people believe writing a man's name on a birth certificate is enough to make him the legal father. This is a misunderstanding. It's certainly a good idea to include the father's name for various reasons, but simply writing his name on the birth certificate does not make him the legal father.

On the other side of the coin, leaving the "Father" section empty does not prevent the father from seeking to establish paternity.

3 Ways To Establish Paternity In Texas

Like most states, Texas offers a few different ways to establish paternity. Two are relatively easy, while the third can be quite difficult.

Get a Free Consultation With A Paternity Lawyer In Arlington

Schneider Law Firm's Arlington family lawyers help clients, both men and women, establish and challenge paternity. To discuss your paternity questions, please call our office at 817-799-7125 or send us a message to arrange a free initial consultation.