Lakeway, TX Paternity Lawyers
HEMBREE BELL LAW FIRM
We protect your kids, your money, & your business.
Establishing paternity can be intimidating, but with legal support from Hembree Bell Law Firm, you can navigate the process of establishing paternity, securing custody, and ensuring fair child support with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Paternity establishment is a crucial first step in determining custody and child support, and there are two ways to do so in Texas: voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through court action with genetic testing.
Custody and child support are separate legal matters that require independent action after paternity is established.
Our Lakeway paternity lawyers provide compassionate and experienced legal support to guide clients through the complexities of paternity cases, helping ensure fair outcomes for parents and children alike.
Whether you are a man looking to gain rights to your child, a mother seeking child support from their child’s father, or a man who does not believe he is the father of a child but is facing legal action, paternity suits can be intimidating. While the legal aspects are obviously central to this challenging issue, there is also the reality that the outcome of a paternity case will have a very real impact on the life of a child.
At Hembree Bell Law Firm, we understand how sensitive and critical paternity cases are, and we support our clients through every step of this difficult journey – no matter what position they are in. Our dedicated Lakeway paternity lawyers will help you navigate the proper legal channels to initiate a Texas paternity suit and ensure the truth is brought to light.
You don’t have to face this alone! Our team is not only skilled and experienced, we’re also genuine people who care about making a difference in your life. Contact our firm today to book your free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you move forward.
How is Paternity Established in Texas?
In Texas, paternity is automatically assumed for the husband of a married woman who gives birth, with no further steps required – unless the couple disputes paternity.
However, for children born to unmarried women, determining paternity requires additional legal steps. There are two main ways to establish paternity in these cases:
Voluntarily: Both parents agree on the identity of the father and complete an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form, submitting it to the state.
Court Action: Either parent can file a suit with the OAG Child Support Division to obtain a court order declaring the legal father. A judge will typically order genetic testing to take place to confirm the identity of the child’s father.
Our skilled Lakeway paternity lawyers can guide you through the best course of action based on your unique circumstances.
Do I Get Custody or Child Support Automatically Once Paternity is Established?
Unfortunately, many people do not know that paternity is one legal issue, while custody and child support are separate issues. In other words, neither child support nor custody begin automatically following a paternity establishment. Custody and child support cases can only be initiated once paternity has been established, but the Hembree Bell team will still be here to assist you! Our Lakeway paternity lawyers can guide you through both custody and child support matters, depending on the outcome of your paternity case.
Securing Custody Rights After Paternity Establishment
After paternity is established, the father of the child can seek custody or visitation rights. Custody arrangements are based on the best interests of the child, and there are two types of custody in Texas: legal custody (conservatorship), which determines which parent makes important decisions about the child’s welfare, and physical custody (possession and access), which determines where the child lives and the visitation schedule.
If the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, they may go to court where a judge will determine custody based on the child’s best interests, which in most cases, is joint custody (as long as both parents can provide a safe and stable environment).
Securing Child Support After Paternity Establishment
Similarly, once paternity is confirmed, child support is typically addressed. In Texas, the noncustodial parent (the parent the child does not live with most of the time) is generally responsible for paying child support to the custodial parent. The amount of child support is determined by state guidelines, which take into account the noncustodial parent’s income, the number of children they support, and other factors.
Child support orders can be established through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). To open a case, the parent requesting support (or the OAG on their behalf) must submit an application either online through the OAG’s website or by visiting a local OAG office.
Once the child support amount is calculated, the OAG will issue a child support order that outlines the amount of monthly support, the date payments are due, and other details, such as who is responsible for the child’s healthcare or uncommon expenses. If the parents agree to the terms, the OAG will file the child support order with the court, but if they don’t, then the OAG may schedule a hearing with a judge who will make the final decision.
Why Partner with Hembree Bell Law Firm’s Lakeway Paternity Lawyers?
Get the clarity you deserve today! Let us help you seamlessly navigate the Texas paternity process and get the answers you need to move forward. You can trust Hembree Bell Law Firm to offer an unmatched level of respect and professionalism. Contact our firm today to book your free case evaluation and learn more about your next steps.