Conroe Paternity Lawyer

Paternity Attorney In Conroe, TX

Establishing legal paternity is a necessary step in matters of child custody and child support. Whether you are a father trying to establish a relationship with your child or a mother seeking child support, the legal system can be difficult to navigate. If you are in or around Conroe and need legal guidance about paternity, you would benefit from hiring an experienced Conroe paternity lawyer.

About the Walke-Wilson Firm

We are an established, experienced family law firm working with clients in Conroe, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Our office is conveniently located in The Woodlands, and we pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive to our clients. We know that family law matters significantly impact our clients’ lives, and our team is committed to achieving favorable results for the families we serve.

Why Does Paternity Matter?

Paternity can be important to a child’s sense of identity. It’s human nature to want to know about our parents and our family background. From a legal perspective, paternity affects important aspects of raising a child, such as custody and child support.

To establish a meaningful parental relationship with a child in the eyes of the law, a father must claim paternity. Fathers have the same rights as mothers in Texas, so a father is entitled to a relationship with his child, including potential conservatorship or possession rights.

It is also necessary to establish paternity if a mother is pursuing her child’s father for child support. The courts will not act to solicit child support payments if a child’s parentage is not confirmed.

How to Establish Paternity in Texas

In Texas, there are several ways that paternity is generally established. If a man is married to a woman at the time she gives birth or in the 300 days prior to the child’s birth, he is assumed to be the father of the child. Similarly, if a man marries a woman soon after the birth of a child and claims paternity by adding his name to the birth certificate, that is satisfactory for the legal establishment of paternity.

Parents who are not together but agree about their child’s paternity can legally establish the parent-child relationship by filling out and filing a form called an Acknowledgment of Paternity. Both parents must provide their information on the form.

Alleged paternity that is contested can be confirmed or disproven through the court system. This action can be initiated by any party involved in the case, whether that is the alleged father, the mother, the child themselves, or the State of Texas. In these cases, paternity or lack thereof is established by a DNA test.

Challenging Paternity in Texas

There are a few ways to challenge established or alleged paternity in Texas. A man can challenge assumed paternity by signing a document called a Denial of Paternity if the true biological father is known and is willing to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity. In other cases, assumed paternity can be challenged through legal action, but this action must be initiated before the child is four years old unless a man finds out he was deceived about his paternity status.

If a father has signed an Acknowledgment of Paternity and wishes to change his mind, he can rescind the acknowledgment within the first 60 days after the document is effective. This might happen if a father learns something that raises questions about his paternity.

Finally, alleged paternity can always be refuted by way of a DNA test. The test is a non-invasive cheek swab test, and samples are usually requested from the alleged father, the child, and the child’s mother. The DNA evidence can reliably establish paternity or non-paternity.

Why You Should Hire a Paternity Lawyer

Whether you are an alleged father trying to establish a parental relationship or a mother pursuing your child’s father for child support, you need to hire a paternity lawyer. Legal proceedings can be complicated, but an experienced attorney can help guide you every step of the way in Conroe. No matter your position, your lawyer can review the specifics of your case, help you gather any documentation you might need, and present your materials to the court on your behalf.

FAQs

Can a Father Get a Sole Managing Conservatorship in Texas?

Yes, a father can be awarded a sole managing conservatorship in Texas. A parent with sole managing conservatorship has the final say on major decisions involving their child, including educational choices, religious practice, and medical treatment, among other things. Having sole managing conservatorship does not mean the other parent does not have access to the child.

How Much Does a Custody Lawyer Cost in Texas?

The cost for a custody lawyer in Texas can vary significantly from case to case, depending on the complexity of the circumstances and the amount of time the lawyer must spend working on the case. Retainer fees are sometimes required to establish the lawyer’s services. After you pay the retainer, the lawyer bills their actual working hours against the money you put down. Consult with your lawyer about their fees and what they include.

Can a Mother Keep a Child From the Father Without a Court Order in Texas?

No, a mother cannot keep a child from a father in Texas without a court order to do so. Fathers and mothers have equal parental rights in Texas, so neither parent can unilaterally decide not to allow the other access to a child. However, if one parent is sincerely afraid for the child’s safety in the presence of the other parent, a judge may rule that they were justified in keeping the child away.

What Rights Do Fathers Gain Through Paternity Court?

Once paternity is established, a father can gain all the parental rights and responsibilities the mother has. Fathers in Texas have the right and responsibility to care for and provide for their children. A father will also gain the right to pursue a parent-child relationship, including conservatorship and physical possession.

Contact the Walke-Wilson Firm Today

If you need to establish your child’s paternity, or if someone is pursuing you for child support and you do not believe you are the father, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At the Walke-Wilson Firm, we are here for you. Our experienced legal team can help you take each legal step with confidence. Contact us today for a consultation.