Having a legal father in Texas, and any other state for that matter, comes with numerous advantages. First are the intangible benefits, which include emotional security and support and paternal guidance. Second, the determined biological father will also be obliged to provide child support to the mother for education, health care, and other child care expenses. Third is securing the child’s future through government benefits, inheritance rights, insurance claims, worker’s compensation in case of father’s death, and more.
The same goes for the biological father who wants to establish paternity — There is nothing more rewarding for a parent than to help his child and spend quality time with them whenever possible. Here in the Lone Star State, there are three known ways on how this is possible.
Voluntary Acknowledgement
The most immediate way to establish paternity is during the time of birth of the child. The parents, regardless if they are married, can properly accomplish, sign, and file an Acknowledgement of Paternity, which will immediately determine that the signed father is the child’s biological and uncontested father. If either parents change their decision for whatever reason, they can withdraw the Acknowledgement of Paternity within 60 days of filing.
Paternity Through Presumption
Under Texas law, the man married to the mother of the child within 300 days after birth is presumed as the father. This can be further supported in the future by a marriage certificate and the child’s birth certificate. If there is no marriage, the father can still legally presume paternity if he has been living with and taking care of the child during his/her first two years after birth and is publicly declaring that he is the father. The presumption can be contested and declined through properly filing the Denial of Paternity.
Court Order
If the two above mentioned ways are not accomplished or if there is a complication in the future, this is where a paternity suit, or the Adjudication of Parenthood, comes in. The judge can order a genetic/DNA test as per request in order to determine the child’s biological father. Once proven, the court orders the deemed parental rights and obligations to the father, i.e. visitation rights, child support. Often times this method requires a family lawyer with ample experience and know-how in paternity cases.
Did you know that Mike Warner is known to provide expert legal counsel for paternity cases in Amarillo Texas? If you are currently looking for a legal representative, you can count on The Warner Law Firm in resolving your paternity case with as minimal stress as possible. Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.
Visit here : https://www.thewarnerlawfirm.com/establishing-paternity-in-texas