CYPRESS PATERNITY LAWYER
Arranging a child custody agreement can be highly emotional and tense due to the personal and complicated nature of the process. When parents are unmarried, it can be even more complex because Texas law gives the child’s mother sole physical and legal custody. For an unmarried father to have parental rights over the child, he must establish paternity. Our experienced Cypress, TX paternity attorneys at Moffett Law Firm can help you do this properly and fight for your rights every step of the way.
With over 30 years of combined experience working on complex family law matters, you can trust us to handle your case. We always have your best interests in mind and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive proper treatment and the best possible outcome.
Why Should You File a Cypress Paternity Suit?
Paternity is a legal identification that establishes someone as a child’s father, giving them rights and obligations to their child. In the case of married couples, paternity is presumed because Texas law presumes the husband is the children’s father. However, in the case of an unmarried couple, paternity is not presumed and instead must be established – most commonly by filing a lawsuit to adjudicate parentage or paternity. Reasons for filing a paternity suit include:
Child Support
Unmarried fathers are not required to financially support their children until paternity is established. Therefore, mothers often file paternity suits to establish a father’s child support obligation. If parents cannot agree on paternity, the court may order a DNA test to prove paternity. The court then reviews the results and makes its decisions regarding child support. If paternity is established, the child’s mother can file a request for child support payments. Our skilled lawyers can help you navigate this process and fight for your right to receive financial support from the child’s father.
Parental Rights for Unmarried Fathers
Unmarried fathers may also initiate a paternity action to receive legal recognition as the child’s biological father. Once paternity is established in these cases, you can fight for visitation rights and joint custody if the court determines it is in the child’s best interest.
On the other hand, if the child’s other parent or the court names you as the child’s father incorrectly, you can file a paternity suit to prove you are not the father. However, there is a limited time you may correct this issue, so contact a lawyer immediately for assistance with this process. Regardless of your reasons for filing a paternity suit as an unmarried father, we at Moffett Law Firm are here to help you make the best decisions for your financial future.
2 Ways to Establish Paternity in Texas
When filing a paternity suit in Cypress, Texas, you can establish paternity in one of two ways. Depending on if you and your partner agree on paternity, these methods include the following:
Acknowledgment of Paternity
If both parents agree about the child’s paternity, they can sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form. If the father is present at the child’s birth, they can sign this form at the hospital, but they may also sign it after the birth. We can help ensure all paperwork is completed properly so the process goes smoothly.
Petition to Adjudicate Paternity or Parentage
When parents disagree on paternity, they may have to use the courts to settle the dispute. First, a parent must file a Petition to Adjudicate Paternity. If both parents dispute paternity, the court may order a DNA test and use the results to establish paternity.
How Can a Cypress Paternity Lawyer Help With Your Case?
Dealing with the complex paternity suit process on your own can be frustrating and confusing. You risk making a mistake that could hurt your chance of a successful outcome. Working with an experienced lawyer helps make your experience less stressful. Our Cypress paternity lawyers at Moffett Law Firm are prepared to help you manage every aspect of your case, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of your case
- Filing for a court-ordered paternity test to secure benefits and parental rights
- Completing and filing the necessary paperwork
- Speaking on your behalf in and out of court
- Gathering and analyzing information
- Adding the father’s name to a birth certificate
- Using extensive legal knowledge to answer your questions
We understand it can be challenging to share information about your family with a lawyer, but we take the time to listen to your story and understand your situation.
Contact a Trustworthy Cypress Paternity Lawyer at Moffett Law Firm Today
Whether you are an unmarried father who wants joint custody or a mother looking to secure child support, our team at Moffett Law Firm is here to protect your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve. With a proven track record and decades of experience representing those in the Cypress area, we understand what it takes to handle all types of paternity cases.
Our hands-on team wants to help you understand your case and your legal options. We communicate consistently and openly so you always stay informed. To schedule a consultation with a Cypress paternity attorney, call (713) 333-5800 or fill out our contact form.