Establishing paternity is a critical step for unmarried fathers in Texas who wish to secure their parental rights. But what does it mean to establish paternity, and why is it so important? In Texas, if parents are not married at the time of a child’s birth, the biological father has no legal rights until paternity is legally established. This can affect everything from child custody to visitation and child support.

At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how vital it is for fathers to have their rights legally recognized. Our family law and litigation attorneys in Houston are here to guide you through the paternity process so you can protect your relationship with your child.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to establish paternity in Texas, why it matters, and what rights and responsibilities come with it.

What Is Paternity and Why Does It Matter?

Paternity refers to the legal acknowledgment of a man as the biological father of a child. Establishing paternity provides children with important benefits, including financial support, access to medical history, and emotional bonding with both parents. For fathers, it means gaining legal rights such as custody, visitation, and the ability to participate in important decisions about the child’s upbringing.

How to Establish Paternity in Texas

In Texas, paternity can be established in several ways:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP):This is the simplest and most common way to establish paternity. Both parents must sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, usually at the hospital after the child’s birth or later through the Texas Vital Statistics Unit.
• Court Order:If there is a dispute about paternity, either parent can petition the court to establish paternity. Genetic testing may be required to confirm biological fatherhood.
• Presumed Paternity:Under Texas law, a man is presumed to be the father if he was married to the mother when the child was born or if the child was born within 300 days of the marriage ending.
• Administrative Order:In cases involving child support, the Texas Office of the Attorney General may issue an order establishing paternity if genetic testing confirms biological fatherhood.

Why Establishing Paternity Matters

Establishing paternity is essential for securing parental rights. It allows fathers to seek child custody, request visitation, and participate in decision-making about their child’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being. Additionally, paternity establishment is often required before courts can issue child support orders.

For mothers, establishing paternity ensures that their child receives financial support from the biological father. For fathers, it provides the legal standing necessary to be a part of their child’s life in a meaningful way.

Need Help Establishing Paternity in Texas? Contact Us Today

Are you struggling to establish paternity or understand your rights as a parent? At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we’re here to help. Our child custody lawyers in Houston are experienced in all aspects of family law matters.

We know how emotional and complex these situations can be, and we are committed to providing compassionate, effective legal support every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your parental rights.