Paternity

Texas Paternity Attorney

A paternity proceeding is filed to determine the father of a child born out of wedlock and may be filed as a separate case or in conjunction with another case, such as divorce petition in which the husband or wife contest the paternity of a minor child.

Who can file a paternity suit?

  • A mother
  • An expectant mother
  • A husband
  • A man alleging that he is the biological father
  • A child
  • A government or child-placing agency

Mothers generally take legal action to seek money — child support for the birth of the child and for on-going support, while a father may wish to establish a parent-child relationship to obtain custody or be granted visitation rights. A paternity suit must be filed within four [4] years after the child is born.

How is paternity established?

A man may sign an acknowledgment of paternity that meets the requirements of the Texas Family Code to establish his paternity and legitimize a child.

When parties do not agree, any party to the action may request that the court order blood testing.
Courts generally accept DNA or tissue tests that analyze genetic factors and have high rates of
accuracy in indicating the probability of paternity.

The court will weigh all the evidence at hand; test results as well as testimony of the parties regarding relevant facts concerning conception.

Client-focused Legal Services

When you turn to the Law Office of Kathy Black in Katy, Texas, you will find an attorney with legal skills and know-how to protect your rights and represent petitioners and respondents in paternity actions and who is frequently appointed as an Amicus Attorney by the court to represent the interests of the child.

Texas family law attorney serves clients in Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Houston and surrounding
towns in Fort Bend, Harris and Waller Counties


Contact a Texas Family Law Attorney

When you need to establish the paternity of your child or have been named as a defendant in a paternity action, it is important to consult a family law attorney who can explain your legal rights and remedies available.

For experienced and knowledgeable representation in a paternity matter, call our firm at 281-398-5546 to arrange a private consultation.



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