Paternity

Arlington Paternity Lawyer

Helping Parents Establish Paternity in Tarrant County

When a child is born to a married couple, the law automatically recognizes the husband as the father. However, when a child is born to an unmarried couple, the father is not automatically recognized. In these cases, the parents must take legal action to establish paternity.

At the Law Office of Mark M. Childress, we help mothers and fathers establish paternity in Arlington and throughout Tarrant County. We understand the importance of establishing paternity and the impact it can have on child custody, visitation, and support. Our Arlington paternity attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Call (817) 497-8148 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our firm today.

What is Paternity?

Paternity refers to the legal identification of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity is crucial for various reasons, as it ensures legal rights and responsibilities for both the father and the child.

The following are several benefits to establishing paternity in Texas:

Legal Rights for the Child: Establishing paternity grants the child legal rights to inheritance, social security benefits, health insurance, and other benefits entitled to them through their father.
Emotional Support and Connection: It helps in establishing an emotional bond between the child and the father, providing the child with a sense of identity and connection.
Access to Medical History: Knowing the father's identity allows access to the father's medical history, which can be crucial for the child's healthcare needs.
Financial Support: Once paternity is established, the father can be held responsible for child support, ensuring that the child receives financial assistance for their upbringing.
Custody and Visitation Rights: Establishing paternity gives the father rights to seek custody or visitation, allowing for a more involved and supportive parenting role.
Government Benefits: The child might be eligible for certain government benefits, such as veteran’s benefits or other programs related to the father’s status.

In Texas, paternity can be established through various means, including voluntary acknowledgment by both parents, genetic testing, or through a court order. Once paternity is legally established, it lays the foundation for the rights and responsibilities that both the father and child have towards each other.

How to Establish Paternity in Texas

There are several ways to establish paternity in Texas. The easiest way is for both parents to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity at the hospital when the child is born. If the parents do not sign this document, they can still establish paternity by signing it at a later date. However, if the mother is married to someone other than the biological father, the Acknowledgment of Paternity cannot be used.

If the parents cannot agree on paternity, either parent can file a paternity lawsuit. In these cases, the court will order genetic testing to determine if the man is the biological father. If the test shows that the man is the father, the court will issue an order of paternity. If the test shows that the man is not the father, the court will dismiss the case.

Whether you are a mother or a father, it is important to establish paternity as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to establish paternity. Our Arlington paternity lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

How Our Arlington Paternity Attorney Can Help

Establishing paternity can be a complex and emotional process. At the Law Office of Mark M. Childress, we understand the challenges you are facing and are here to help. Our Arlington paternity lawyer can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your case. We will work closely with you to understand your goals and develop a personalized legal strategy for you. Our firm is committed to providing each and every client with the compassionate care and aggressive representation they deserve.

Call (817) 497-8148 to speak with our Arlington paternity attorney today.

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"My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice."
Value a capable team with experienced staff. For the past 9 months, the folks at the Law Offices of Mark Childress handled my case with class and empathy. My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice. I felt like I was kept in the loop and always briefed properly. As I move forward with other ventures I wouldn't be surprised if we crossed paths again. And hats off to Konner, THANK YOU!

- Cody C.
"Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client."
I needed an attorney who would stand up for me and my child during a very hard time. Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client. He was very knowledgeable not only about the law but about the opposing attorney and the judge. He prepared me well and we won our case. I would recommend Mark Childress to anyone who is fighting for custody or in need of child support.

- Kelley C.
"I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care."
I called in inquiring about a divorce and how it all happens. I had 2 people call me back within an hour and in an hour maybe 2 I was talking with the lawyer. I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care. Divorce is the hardest thing we will go through minus losing a kid and his team will be retained. He even called me back himself the next day to see how I was. Great service.

- Bobby N.
"This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years."
This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years. He had my case figured out in 1short conversation and had what he called "a convoluted mess" fixed. I'm pretty sure my ex felt like he'd been hit by a bus. My family is finally in tact and everyone is finally happy.

- Heather S.

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Exceptional Legal Representation

Direct Access To Your Attorney

Our Attorneys personally handle each case themselves. You will have direct access to your attorney to be able to get the answers that you need.
Transparency
Honesty and transparency are critical in building trust with your attorney. You will always know what is going on with your case every step of the way.
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At our firm you're not just a case number, our staff will always know the status of your case and help to make your situation more manageable.
Personalized Approach
Our team understands that no two cases are the same. Your strategy will be tailored specifically to you and your family's goals.