San Marcos Paternity Attorneys
Legal Support for Your Paternity Proceedings in Texas
At the McNutt Law Firm PLLC, we have represented clients on both sides of paternity proceedings. We offer a team approach and understand the difficult emotional aspects of this family law issue. Our experienced lawyers know how to gather the appropriate information. We will thoroughly explain the process and options so that you can make an informed decision on moving forward.
Get the legal guidance you need for your paternity case. Call (512) 488-3612 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with a skilled San Marcos paternity lawyer today!
Why Establishing Paternity Matters?
Establishing paternity is often the first step in a child support matter or custody and parenting time proceeding. Additionally, establishing a legal relationship helps strengthen the emotional bond between the child and both parents, promoting stability and security. Finally, children of legally recognized parents may be entitled to benefits such as health insurance, social security, inheritance rights, and veterans’ benefits.
How is Paternity Established in Texas?
There are several ways to establish paternity in Texas, and each method has its own legal procedures. The methods include acknowledgment, genetic testing, and court orders. Our San Marcos paternity attorneys are well-versed in the various methods and can help you choose the right path based on your situation.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
The most straightforward way to establish paternity is through the voluntary acknowledgment process. This occurs when both parents agree on the identity of the child’s father. In Texas, if both parents sign an “Acknowledgment of Paternity” form, paternity is established without the need for a court proceeding.
This form is often signed at the hospital when the child is born or later at a local child support office. By signing the form, the father acknowledges that he is the biological parent of the child, and both parents can seek to establish custody and child support rights.
Genetic Testing
In cases where there is a dispute over paternity or one parent refuses to acknowledge paternity, genetic testing may be necessary. Genetic testing is highly accurate and involves comparing the DNA of the child with that of the alleged father. If the DNA test shows that the man is the biological father, paternity can be legally established.
If there is uncertainty or a dispute regarding paternity, our San Marcos paternity attorneys will help you navigate the legal procedures for requesting genetic testing. Whether you are seeking to confirm or contest paternity, we can help you arrange and interpret the results of the test to ensure that your rights are respected.
Court Orders for Paternity
In situations where the father refuses to acknowledge paternity or there is no voluntary acknowledgment form, the mother, or the man seeking to establish paternity, can request a court order for paternity. The court may order genetic testing and may issue an order confirming paternity based on the test results.
If paternity is disputed or both parties disagree on the issue, a family court may need to intervene to resolve the matter. Our San Marcos paternity lawyers are skilled in handling paternity cases in court and will work with you to present a compelling case to the judge.
Our attorneys not only help establish fathers' rights but also help clients develop a long-term strategy to address custody and child support issues. We know that you want to know your children will be okay whatever the outcome of the custody and parenting time agreement. We also understand that whether you are going to be paying child support or receiving it — you want to know that you will be able to afford your necessary expenses.
Can Paternity Be Contested in San Marcos, TX?
In some cases, one party may wish to contest paternity. This could be the father who believes he is not the biological parent, or it could be the mother who is seeking to remove a man’s name from the birth certificate or child support order. It is important to note that contesting paternity can be a complex and sensitive process.
If you wish to contest paternity, it is important to work with an experienced San Marcos paternity lawyer. We can assist you in filing the appropriate motions, requesting genetic testing, and advocating for the best interests of the child.
Call Today | We Offer Free Initial Consultations
Navigating the process of establishing or contesting paternity in Texas requires knowledge of family law, as well as an understanding of the unique challenges that come with paternity cases. Whether you are a mother seeking support for your child, a father seeking to be involved in your child’s life, or a parent wishing to contest paternity, having a skilled San Marcos paternity attorney on your side is essential.
Our team of experienced San Marcos paternity lawyers is committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and aggressive legal representation. We are here to help you resolve your paternity issue efficiently and effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Call (512) 488-3612 or email us to set up a free initial consultation. We offer flexible payment options on a case-by-case basis, including flat-fee limited scope representation, sliding-scale and payment plans. From our office in San Marcos, we serve family law clients throughout south central Texas.