Are you having issues with paternity in Austin, TX? Whether you’re a mother seeking child support, a father aiming to confirm your parental rights, or a parent hoping to challenge a prior paternity finding, taking the right steps is essential.
Kazen Family Law & Divorce Lawyers has been serving local families for decades, and our lead attorney has 19 years of experience. Our Austin paternity lawyer is also board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, highlighting our commitment to providing high-quality guidance.
If you have questions or would like to get started, please reach out for an initial consultation, or contact us at (512) 236-1315. We can help you better understand your legal options and strive for a resolution that fits your family’s situation.
Paternity can affect child support, child custody, and emotional ties between parent and child in Austin, Texas.
Dealing with it alone can be overwhelming.
Kazen Family Law & Divorce Lawyers aims to simplify the process.
We will:
We always tailor our approach to your family’s needs. Whether you’re the mother trying to secure support or a father wanting legal rights, we will guide you step by step, drawing on our board-certified family law experience. Contact our Austin family lawyers today to learn more.
In Texas, paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. Once confirmed, he gains rights (like seeking custody) and duties (such as paying child support). Paternity may be set in several ways:
Once recognized legally, the father can request custody or visitation, and the court can assign child support. Without formal paternity, a father may lack the rights to be part of the child’s life, or a mother may struggle to secure financial support.
Having legal fatherhood can benefit everyone. A few reasons why this is the case include:
Even if both parents have a good relationship, confirming paternity prevents confusion later. It can also help if either parent moves or if future modifications to support or custody are needed. Without legal fatherhood, a dad might find it tough to have guaranteed visitation or make major decisions for the child.
While some paternity situations are straightforward, others involve complications:
These hurdles highlight why having a board-certified family attorney can be invaluable. We manage disputes calmly, ensuring no crucial steps are overlooked while aiming to reduce stress on everyone involved.
Once a father is legally recognized in Austin, the court can establish child support obligations. Under Texas law, support is often calculated using the father’s income, factoring in costs like health insurance. However, the court can also look at the child’s unique expenses—such as tutoring or therapy needs. If the parents share custody, that time split can influence how much support is owed or received.
Being proactive is wise. For example, if a father’s income changes substantially or if a child’s medical costs grow over time, either parent might seek a modification to adjust support. By establishing paternity now, you set a firm foundation for any future adjustments and prevent prolonged legal battles later.
If paternity is uncertain, a court may order a DNA test. Typically, participants visit an approved facility, where cheek swabs are taken in a controlled way to avoid tampering. The lab analyzes genetic markers with nearly 100% accuracy. If the test confirms fatherhood:
A negative test can free a wrongly accused man from paying support. Ensuring these tests follow proper chain-of-custody rules helps them stand up in court as valid evidence.
Paternity may be linked to other family law issues. A few examples include the following:
We address each matter in a holistic way, so you don’t have to juggle multiple battles on your own. From verifying fatherhood to updating custody terms down the road, our firm covers all angles.
Generally, you can establish paternity until a child turns 18, but the sooner you act, the simpler it often is. If you want to dispute or disestablish fatherhood after discovering new facts—like a DNA test done years later—time limits can apply.
Missing them might mean you’re stuck paying support for a child who isn’t yours or lose the chance to assert rightful fatherhood. Consulting a lawyer promptly helps protect your rights and prevents unwanted court rulings by default.
Paternity influences your child’s financial well-being, emotional security, and your own parental rights. It’s natural to feel anxious or uncertain, but you don’t have to handle the process on your own. Kazen Family Law & Divorce Lawyers, backed by 19 years of experience and a board-certified family law attorney, is here to help. We can handle everything from confirming fatherhood through DNA testing to disputing paternity orders if something was incorrect.
Call us for an initial consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your next steps, and work to find a fair solution for you and your child. Don’t let confusion or missed deadlines complicate your family’s future. Reach out to our Austin paternity attorneys today to protect your rights and ensure your child’s best interests are always front and center.
Kazen Family Law & Divorce Lawyers
609 W 9th St Suite 101, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-1315
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