Round Rock Paternity Lawyer
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A Round Rock paternity lawyer plays a vital role in helping parents establish legal rights and responsibilities, including child custody and child support. Paternity issues can be emotional and complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can secure the financial support and parental rights that are in your child’s best interests.
Whether you are the child’s biological father seeking to establish paternity or a mother needing child support, our family law firm can assist with every step of the legal process, from filing a paternity suit to obtaining DNA tests.
Contact the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett, PLLC, to discuss your paternity case and learn how we can guide you through such an important legal matter. Call 512-956-5356 to schedule a consultation with our experienced paternity lawyer today.
What is Paternity?
In Texas family law, paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. Establishing paternity is crucial because it provides the child with a legal father, ensuring important legal responsibilities and rights are in place for both the father and the child. Paternity is not automatically assumed when the child is born to unmarried parents, which means legal steps must be taken to establish the child’s biological father as the legal father.
If you’re a father looking to assert your parental rights, getting the guidance of a knowledgeable paternity lawyer in Round Rock is key. Contact our family law firm today to explore how our experienced paternity lawyers can help you protect your rights and your child’s future.
Importance of Establishing Paternity in Child Support and Child Custody Cases
Establishing paternity is critical in child support and child custody cases. Legally, it ensures that the child’s father is recognized, granting him parental rights such as seeking visitation rights and child custody in Round Rock.
When paternity is established, it also generally creates legal obligations for unmarried fathers to provide financial support to their children. Additionally, establishing paternity allows the child to benefit from inheritance rights and access to the father’s health insurance and medical history.
To understand how paternity action can benefit you and your child, contact a Round Rock paternity attorney from the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett, PLLC, for guidance and support.
Is a Paternity Test Required for Child Support in Texas?
If a child’s father is not listed on the birth certificate or if either parent questions the identity of the biological father, the court may order DNA testing to confirm paternity. The DNA test is a critical step in legally establishing the father’s obligation to pay child support in Round Rock.
Once paternity is confirmed through the test, the father will usually be required to provide financial support and will usually also gain the right to seek custody or visitation. In some cases, both parents may voluntarily agree on paternity without a DNA test, but if there is any uncertainty, a paternity test offers a definitive legal answer.
How to Establish Paternity in Round Rock, Texas
In Round Rock, Texas, paternity can be established through a legal process that confirms the identity of a child’s biological father. When a child is born to unmarried parents, paternity must be established through voluntary acknowledgment or court order.
The most straightforward way to establish paternity is through the Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) process, where both parents agree on the child’s father. The father is legally recognized once both parents sign the AOP and file with the appropriate government agency.
If the parents do not agree on who the biological father is, or if either the mother or assumed father refuses to sign the AOP, paternity can be established through a court process.
Texas Paternity Laws
Under Texas law, paternity is automatically presumed for any child born to a married couple. However, if the parents are unmarried when the child is born, paternity must be established legally.
The Texas Family Code provides guidelines for acknowledging paternity voluntarily, such as through the signing of an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) by both parents or involuntarily through a court-ordered paternity test. Once paternity is legally established, the father gains important rights, such as the ability to seek custody or visitation, and is also responsible for providing financial support for the child.
How to Get a Court-Ordered Paternity Test in Texas
To get a court-ordered paternity test in Texas, a parent or legal guardian must file a paternity claim with the court if there is uncertainty or disagreement about who the child’s biological father is. Either the mother or the alleged father can request the court to establish paternity through a DNA test.
The DNA test results prove whether the alleged father is the biological father. If paternity is confirmed, the court can issue orders requiring the father to pay child support, ensuring both parents contribute to the child’s life.
If you need assistance obtaining a court-ordered paternity test in Texas, contact an experienced paternity lawyer from the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett, PLLC, for guidance through the legal process.
Williamson County Paternity FAQs
What is a Paternity Suit?
A paternity suit is a legal action filed to determine the biological father of a child. It is often used when there is uncertainty or disagreement about the child’s father. Through the paternity suit, the court may order a DNA test to confirm paternity, after which the legal father can be granted rights such as custody or visitation and be required to pay child support.
If Both Parents Are on the Child's Birth Certificate But Not Married, Who Has Custody Texas?
In Texas, if both parents are listed on the child’s birth certificate but are not married, the mother automatically has legal custody of the child. The father’s name on the birth certificate does not grant him custody rights. To establish custody or visitation rights, the father must legally establish paternity through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or a court order.
Does the Child's Father Have Rights if He is Not on the Birth Certificate in Texas?
In Texas, if the child’s father is not listed on the birth certificate, he does not automatically have legal rights. To gain these rights, he must establish paternity through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or a court-ordered paternity test. Once paternity is established, the father can seek custody and visitation and be responsible for child support.
How Long Does the Father Have to Establish Paternity in Texas?
In Texas, a father can establish paternity before the child turns 18. However, it is often in the best interest of both the father and the child to establish paternity as early as possible. Once the child turns 18, paternity can no longer be established for purposes of child support, but it may still be established for other reasons, such as inheritance.
Can a Mother Refuse a Paternity Test in Texas?
In Texas, a mother cannot refuse a court-ordered paternity test if the father or another party has filed a paternity suit and the court has ordered genetic testing. If the court orders genetic testing to determine the child’s biological father, both parents are legally required to comply. Refusing to participate in a court-ordered paternity test can result in legal consequences.
Protect Your Rights with Our Round Rock Paternity Attorney
When dealing with sensitive paternity matters, having the right legal support can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome for you and your child. At the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett, PLLC, our Round Rock paternity lawyer is here to guide you through every step, from establishing paternity to resolving issues related to child support and custody.
If you’re facing any paternity concerns, call 512-956-5356 today to ensure your rights are protected, and your family’s future is secure.
At the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett, PLLC, you are not just a case number. Our family law attorney takes the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a strategic approach that aligns with your needs under Texas law.
