PATERNITY

Legally establishing parentage is a vitally important process for families in Texas. Often, it is a necessary first step in family law litigation. When a child is born to parents who are not married, or to married same-sex couples, there are additional legal actions that need to be taken in order to guarantee parental rights. This includes your right to be listed on the birth certificate and, if you are separated from the other parent, to have custody, visitation and support for the child legally established through a court order.

It is important to remember that child custody orders and child support orders are there for the protection of both parents, even the non-custodial parent. You will want to establish your parental rights as early as possible in your child’s life to avoid future legal headaches that may arise in the future from failing to do so.