KINGWOOD PATERNITY LAWYER
Whether you are a mother fighting for child support or a father seeking parental rights, establishing paternity is essential in a child custody case. However, these cases are often complicated and can cause tension between you and your child’s other parent, making it challenging to find a solution. Fortunately, our experienced Kingwood paternity attorneys at Moffett Law Firm can help you handle all aspects of your paternity case and fight for your rights and goals.
With over 30 years of collective experience working in family law, we have the skills and knowledge to take on any challenge. Our knowledgeable lawyers take a personal approach to every case by listening to your story and developing a plan based on your unique needs. We are committed to explaining the legal process to you, the steps necessary to proceed with your case, and being honest with you about the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome. Our team also believes communication is key, so we always keep you informed about your case and legal options.
Who Can File a Paternity Suit in Texas?
In Texas, a child, their mother, or their father can pursue paternity action for many reasons. Potential benefits of establishing paternity for these parties include the following:
Mother
In situations involving unmarried parents, the child’s mother automatically receives physical and legal custody, while the father has no parental rights until paternity is established, according to Texas law. Therefore, a mother may want to file a paternity suit to share parenting responsibilities and costs, including receiving the payment of child support.
Father
Because unmarried fathers do not have established or automatic parental and decision-making rights to their children until they establish paternity, they may want to file a suit to gain legal rights to their children, including custody rights, decision-making capabilities, or a visitation schedule. Fathers may also pursue paternity action to establish a relationship with their child and become an active part of their child’s life.
Child
If they are old enough, a child may file a paternity suit. They could do this to pursue a relationship with both parents, learn more about their medical history, or access benefits like medical and life insurance, inheritance, and Social Security.
How to Establish Paternity in Texas
If you choose to file a suit, there are two ways to establish paternity in Texas, which include the following:
Acknowledgment of Paternity
When parents agree on the child’s paternity, they can complete an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This is typically done at the hospital when the child is born, but it can also be done afterward. The form must be filed with the Vital Statistics Unit, and once it is completed, the father’s name is added to the child’s birth certificate, and the father receives some acknowledged parental rights to the child.
Petition to Adjudicate Paternity or Parentage
Another option to establish paternity is to file a Petition to Adjudicate Parentage. During this litigation process, the court may order DNA testing to ensure the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child who is the subject of the paternity lawsuit. If you are served with a Petition to Adjudicate Paternity or if you need assistance to file a Petition to Adjudicate Paternity, you need to consult the legal minds of the Kingwood, TX paternity lawyers at Moffett Law Firm. We can guide you through this process to ensure that you are fully represented.
Why Should You Contact Moffett Law Firm to Help With Your Kingwood Paternity Case?
Moffett Law Firm has been serving Kingwood with a combined total of over 30 years of experience. We have the knowledge and skills to fully represent you in your paternity case. Additionally, we can help you manage all aspects of your paternity case, including the following:
- Filing all the proper paperwork
- Thoroughly investigating your case
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiating on your behalf
- Attending mediation with you and negotiating vigorously on your behalf
- Fully and aggressively representing you in court
- Answering all your legal questions
Paternity cases are often complex and confusing, but our Kingwood, TX paternity attorneys at Moffett Law Firm understand how to handle these family law matters. We fiercely advocate for your rights so you never feel alone and can rest assured your case is in the right hands.
Schedule a Consultation With a Seasoned Kingwood Paternity Lawyer at Moffett Law Firm
If you are initiating or defending against a paternity action in Kingwood, Texas, you deserve high-quality representation to fight for you. At Moffett Law Firm, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We get to the heart of your case by considering every detail and listening to your story.
In our 30 years of combined experience, we have worked on the most complicated family law cases. We understand that every case is different and requires unique strategies to achieve optimal results. Our team of Kingwood, Texas paternity lawyers is dedicated to you, your case and your desired outcome. To schedule a consultation today, call (713) 333-5800 or fill out our contact form.
