Dallas Paternity Attorneys
Texas Paternity Law & Father's Rights
When a child is born out of wedlock in Texas, paternity must be proven before legal action can be taken to seek support from the child's father. Likewise, if you are the father and want to maintain your parental rights, you must legally establish those rights with proof of paternity. Dallas paternity lawyers from Scott H. Palmer, P.C. work with men and women on both sides of paternity disputes to help them protect their rights. If you are not sure you are the child's father, you have the right to dispute paternity. If you are the child's mother and want help proving the paternity of your child, you have choices about how to legally pursue that issue, including the filing of a paternity suit.
Begin your paternity case today with a case evaluation. Call our Dallas paternity attorneys at (214) 891-3382!
Categories of Potential Fathers
If paternity is not clearly established, there are four possible categories that the potential father could be included in. Determining which the potential father fits into can influence a case.
Take a look at these categories:
- Alleged Father: This means that the man is alleged to be the father but is not officially recognized. The person claiming that the man is the father must prove his paternity.
- Presumed Father: This means that a man has not formally been recognized as the father, but is presumed to be, because of an existing relationship. He could file to prove he is not the father.
- Acknowledged Father: This means the man has a legal relationship with the child; however the document may be challenged in court.
- Adjudicated Father: This means the man's paternity has been previously determined in court. Challenging this may be extremely difficult, but not entirely impossible.
Essentially, these categories determine which party is obliged to prove paternity.
Establishing Paternity in Texas
As a father, establishing proof of paternity in Texas can be accomplished when you complete and sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity form, which is available from the Department of State Health Services. Signing this form assumes that you, as the father, have no issues regarding paternity. When you sign it, you become the child's legal father.
Genetic Testing for Acknowledgement of Paternity
With the advent of genetic testing, establishing proof of fatherhood has become relatively simple. However, both parents have legal rights regarding the administration of paternity testing and the responsibilities that follow proof of paternity. Genetic testing is an essential element of establishing and acknowledging paternity. It is important to work with a professional law firm to protect your rights and ensure that you are on the right side of the law.
Settle Your Paternity Questions with the Help of Our Firm!
Regardless of your case circumstances, you will need the help of a Dallas paternity attorney from Scott H. Palmer, P.C. We can explain your rights and responsibilities and assist you in examining your legal options. Our hardworking team of family attorneys and assistants will also help you complete and file any paperwork as we guide you through the legal process.
For help protecting your legal rights in paternity disputes, contact Scott H. Palmer, P.C. at (214) 891-3382 to arrange for a consultation and evaluation of your case with our Dallas paternity lawyers.
