Pflugerville, TX Paternity Lawyers
HEMBREE BELL LAW FIRM
We protect your kids, your money, & your business.
Establishing paternity is important for mothers, fathers, and children, but if one party is putting up a fight, the court will need to step in and determine the next steps, which often includes genetic testing.
Key Takeaways
Establishing paternity is important for mothers, fathers, and children
If there is a dispute over paternity, one party must file a petition with the court
In a paternity suit, a judge orders genetic testing to determine the biological father of the child in question
If you live in Pflugerville, Texas and are facing challenging issues regarding paternity, you might be feeling stuck and unsure or where to turn. Whether you are a man seeking rights to a child you believe to have fathered, a mother seeking much-needed financial support from your child’s father, or a man fighting paternity allegations, our dedicated Pflugerville paternity lawyers are here for you.
Our team of premier Texas family attorneys have decades of collective experience and a thorough working knowledge of the paternity process within the courts. We help you understand your legal rights and navigate the proper steps for establishing paternity. These issues can often be delicate, and we always prioritize the best interests of the children involved in the case.
You can trust us to bring the truth to light. Call today to book your free initial case evaluation and learn more about how we can help!
Why Is Establishing Paternity Important?
There are many benefits for a mother, father, and child when paternity is established.
Mothers are able to seek critical financial support needed to provide for their child. It has never been more expensive to raise a child than it is today, and it isn’t fair that only one parent should carry that burden. However, establishing paternity can also bring emotional support for mothers, as they gain a parenting partner to share the load with.
Fathers who establish paternity of their children are able to pave the way to begin and maintain a meaningful relationship with their progeny. They can pass on their culture and traditions while leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Children especially benefit from having their father clearly and legally identified. Studies show that children who grow up with both parents active in their lives become more successful, emotionally secure adults.
Our Pflugerville paternity lawyers are passionate about bringing families together, no matter what they look like. Let us help you experience all the advantages that establishing paternity brings!
What Is The Legal Process For Establishing Paternity?
There are a few different ways that paternity can be established in Texas. The first is by voluntarily submitting an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP). If the parents are in agreement on paternity, both parents sign the form and submit it to either the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or a local child support office. Then, the father’s name can be added to the birth certificate.
In cases where there is a dispute over paternity, however, the court typically has to get involved. Either the mother or the alleged father can file a petition to establish paternity to begin the legal process of determining the true father and legally assigning paternity.
The process is fairly straightforward once the paternity suit is opened. The court will order DNA testing to be conducted on the mother, alleged father, and child. Once the results of the test are obtained, the court will hold a hearing. If the alleged father is determined to be the biological father, his rights and obligations will be defined. If he is not, then the case is dismissed and the man has no rights or obligations to the child.
Our Pflugerville paternity lawyers will guide you through each step of this process effectively, and help you understand what comes after your paternity case, no matter the outcome.
Why Choose Our Pflugerville Paternity Lawyers?
Waiting to determine paternity can feel like a huge weight is resting on your shoulders. It’s time for that weight to be lifted and for you to know what the future holds. At Hembree Bell Law Firm, we can not only hold your hand through the paternity process, but whatever comes next, too – like figuring out custody, visitation, and child support arrangements. You can trust our award-winning Pflugerville paternity lawyers to help you face the future with confidence! Call today to book your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity In Pflugerville, TX
What if the man refuses to take a paternity test?
If the alleged father refuses to take a court-ordered paternity test, the court may presume him to be the father and issue a judgment, or hold the man in contempt of court, resulting in legal penalties.
How long does the paternity process take?
In an involuntary paternity case, it may take as long as several months depending on court schedules.
What if a man is determined to be the father of a child in a paternity suit, but another man is already listed on the birth certificate as the father?
In Texas, the alleged father, mother, or biological father can file a Petition to Adjudicate Parentage to establish the correct paternity and amend the birth certificate.