When two unmarried parties have a child together, the father’s rights can only be legally acknowledged once paternity is established. Depending on whether both parents agree on paternity, there are a few different ways a father could secure his paternal rights.
If you are dealing with a paternity dispute, you do not have to contest it alone. A seasoned family attorney could assist you with establishing these parental rights in a court of law. Discover your legal options today with the guidance of a paternity lawyer in The Colony.
A father must establish paternity to protect his rights to the child. Failure to do so may hinder the father’s ability to make decisions regarding the child’s well-being, request custody, or seek visitation. Until paternity is secured, the birth mother has the exclusive right to make all of the child’s important decisions.
Establishing paternity is also beneficial for mothers. If a father is not legally recognized, he is not obligated to provide for the child. Once paternity is established, a mother could move to enforce child support rights.
Finally, establishing paternity helps support a child in their formative years. The ability to bond with both parents has a profound impact on the social development of a child. Additionally, having access to family medical history is important, and understanding that information from the father’s side of the family could prove to be helpful in a child’s life.
There are numerous reasons to establish the paternity of a minor child. This information is essential for the rights of both parents, but it also impacts children as well. A paternity attorney serving The Colony could assess the case and provide insight on these benefits.
There are two ways to establish paternity in The Colony—voluntarily or involuntarily. Most of the time, the paternity of a minor child is established voluntarily. This occurs when both the mother and father recognize the identity of the biological father. In this case, the parents in agreement can execute a document known as an “Acknowledgment of Paternity,” often done at the hospital shortly after the child is born. When the acknowledgment is signed immediately after birth, the father can be added to the birth certificate upon submission to the state.
Parents will not always be able to resolve issues of paternity amicably. Involuntary proceedings may be the only option if parents cannot agree. This process involves filing a legal action typically consisting of a DNA test. If the test results show a genetic link between the father and the child, the court will enter an order establishing paternity. In either instance, guidance from a dedicated attorney could be vital in quickly resolving paternity disputes in The Colony.
Without establishing paternity, a father’s involvement in their child’s life is at risk. A family attorney could help you defend your paternal rights and fight to resolve these disputes quickly and amicably.
Enlisting the help of a seasoned legal counsel could make all the difference in securing the most favorable outcome possible for your case. Reach out to a paternity lawyer in The Colony to get started today.
Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.
