Corpus Christi Paternity Lawyer

Helping Parents Establish Paternity in Texas

Divorces and separations can be contentious, especially when children are involved, and you may find yourself in a position where you have to fight for your parental rights. Additionally, you should only be held responsible for the support of your own children, especially when determining court-mandated child support.

If you are struggling with issues of paternity, an experienced paternity lawyer familiar with family law practice in Texas can help you feel confident and supported in the courtroom.

Call us at (361) 742-2225 or contact us online for a legal consultation with our Corpus Christi paternity attorney. Learn how we can assist you in establishing paternity and ensuring your legal rights are protected.

What is Paternity, and Why is it Important?

Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity is crucial as it ensures that the father’s legal rights and responsibilities are recognized, including the right to seek custody or visitation and the obligation to provide child support.

This legal recognition is essential for the child’s well-being, as it guarantees financial support and entitles the child to inheritance and various benefits, such as health insurance and social security. It also ensures that legal records accurately reflect the child’s parentage, which is important for any future legal matters.

Additionally, paternity provides emotional and social stability for the child by allowing them to form a sense of identity and connect with their biological family. It facilitates relationships with extended family members and provides access to important family medical history.

For the father, establishing paternity secures legal standing to be involved in significant decisions about the child’s upbringing and to assert his rights in any future legal matters.

How Can Paternity Be Established in Texas?

Paternity can be established in several ways:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): Both parents sign a legal document acknowledging the man as the father, usually done at the hospital when the child is born or later at the Office of the Attorney General.
• Genetic Testing: If there is a dispute or uncertainty, DNA testing can be used to prove paternity. This is often done through a court order.
• Court Order: A court can establish paternity through a legal proceeding if there is a dispute or if the AOP is not completed.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Establishing Paternity in Texas?

There is no statute of limitations to establish paternity for a lawsuit in Texas. However, there is a limit on the amount of back child support that a parent could regain if that parent wins a lawsuit by establishing paternity.

At the Law Office of Lindsay M. Browne, we know how difficult it is to separate from your spouse or significant other, especially when you have children together. If you need help establishing your paternity and determining your legal responsibility, call us today.

What are Common Disputes Over Paternity?

Common disputes over paternity can arise in various situations and typically involve conflicts about the legal or biological parentage of a child. 

Here are some of the most frequent types of paternity disputes:

• Biological Doubts: Concerns about infidelity or multiple possible fathers.
• Parental Rights: Conflicts over custody and visitation rights, and legal vs. biological father issues.
• Financial Responsibility: Disputes over child support obligations and retroactive support.
• Legal Documentation: Issues with Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) forms or attempts to revoke AOP.
• Family Dynamics: Tensions in blended families and disputes over inheritance rights.
• Emotional Conflicts: Personal and relational issues between a couple impacting paternity disputes, including the child’s best interests.

What to Do If the Paternity of Your Child Is in Question?

Relationships are complicated and there are instances where the paternity of a child (or children) is called into question. If you are dealing with contested paternity, you should speak with a knowledgeable paternity attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Paternity questions often arise when someone is going through a separation from their spouse or significant other and there are issues related to child custody, support, and/or visitation.

Our paternity lawyer can help you with a variety of related family law issues, including:

• Parental rights
• Father’s rights
• Visitation rights
• Child support
• Child custody
• Adoption petitions

Contact Our Corpus Christi Paternity Attorney Today

Dealing with issues of paternity can be stressful, and understanding your legal rights is key to ensuring the best possible outcome. At the Law Office of Lindsay M. Browne, we believe that everyone deserves high-quality legal representation. Our team of dedicated professionals always put the client’s best interest first. 

Whether you are going through a divorce or want to ensure that you get the time with your child you are entitled to, we have the knowledge and experience you are looking for.