Montgomery County Paternity Lawyer

Establishing paternity is one of the most important steps in protecting the rights and responsibilities of both parents and their children. Whether you are a mother seeking financial support, a father wishing to secure custody or visitation rights, or a family dealing with questions of parentage, clear legal determination is essential. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we guide clients through every aspect of Texas paternity law. As a trusted Montgomery County paternity lawyer, our firm helps parents establish, dispute, or enforce paternity with care, precision, and a focus on what is best for the child.

Understanding Paternity in Texas

Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. Once established, both parents gain specific rights and obligations, including child support, custody, visitation, and inheritance.

In Texas, paternity can be established in several ways:

• Presumption of Paternity: When a married couple has a child, the husband is automatically presumed to be the legal father.
• Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): An unmarried mother and father may sign an official acknowledgment form to voluntarily establish paternity.
• Court Order: If paternity is disputed or uncertain, either parent—or the state—can request a court order to determine parentage, often supported by DNA testing.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps clients navigate each of these paths, ensuring that all procedures are legally valid and that your rights are fully protected.

Why Establishing Paternity Matters

Establishing paternity provides legal, financial, and emotional benefits for both parents and children. It ensures that children receive the care and support they deserve while giving parents a clear framework of rights and responsibilities.

Key benefits include:

• Child Support: The father can be legally required to contribute to the child’s financial needs.
• Custody and Visitation: Fathers gain the right to seek custody or parenting time.
• Medical and Inheritance Rights: The child gains access to benefits, insurance coverage, and inheritance from both parents.
• Identity and Stability: Children benefit from knowing their biological and legal parentage.
• Parental Decision-Making: Both parents can participate in major decisions affecting the child’s welfare.

Our firm helps families reach fair resolutions that prioritize the child’s best interests while protecting each parent’s legal standing.

Establishing Paternity Through DNA Testing

In contested cases, paternity is often confirmed through genetic (DNA) testing. These tests are quick, noninvasive, and highly accurate—usually confirming parentage with more than 99% certainty.

We assist clients in arranging court-approved DNA testing and ensure the results are properly submitted and admitted into evidence. Once paternity is legally confirmed, the court can issue orders for:

• Child support
• Custody and visitation
• Reimbursement of medical or birth-related expenses
• Inclusion of the father’s name on the birth certificate

Our attorneys handle every step of this process with professionalism and sensitivity, ensuring compliance with Texas Family Code requirements.

Disputing or Challenging Paternity

Sometimes, individuals may need to challenge an existing presumption or acknowledgment of paternity. Texas law allows paternity disputes under specific conditions, but strict deadlines often apply.

Common situations include:

• A presumed father discovers he is not the biological parent.
• A mother disputes an incorrect acknowledgment.
• A man signed an AOP under duress or mistake.
• DNA testing reveals new evidence.

Our attorneys help clients file timely legal actions to disprove or challenge paternity, protect their rights, and resolve long-standing uncertainties fairly and efficiently.

Paternity and Child Custody

Once paternity is established, fathers can pursue custody or visitation rights, and mothers can request enforcement of financial support. Texas law encourages involvement from both parents, provided it serves the child’s best interests.

We assist with:

• Temporary and permanent custody arrangements.
• Parenting time and visitation schedules.
• Joint or sole conservatorship (custody).
• Enforcement of parenting rights and responsibilities.

By establishing paternity, both parents can work toward cooperative parenting and stable relationships with their child.

Paternity and Child Support

Child support orders are often issued once paternity is confirmed. The amount is determined according to Texas guidelines, taking into account each parent’s income, number of children, and special needs.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. ensures accurate financial disclosures and advocates for fair and reasonable child support terms. We also assist in enforcing or modifying support orders when necessary.

Paternity for Unmarried Parents

Unmarried parents often face additional challenges, especially when one parent is reluctant to sign an acknowledgment or cooperate in support or custody matters. Establishing legal paternity provides clarity and structure, allowing both parents to assert their rights.

We help unmarried parents:

• File voluntary acknowledgment or court petitions.
• Secure temporary custody and visitation rights.
• Protect financial and parental rights through official court orders.

Our firm ensures that both mothers and fathers are treated fairly under Texas law.

Why Choose Lindamood & Robinson for Paternity Cases

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. has extensive experience in family law cases involving paternity, child custody, and support. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and handle them with discretion, accuracy, and compassion.

Clients choose our firm because we offer:

• Decades of experience in Texas family courts.
• Proven success establishing and disputing paternity.
• In-depth understanding of DNA evidence and state procedures.
• A focus on protecting both parental rights and children’s best interests.
• Personalized attention and practical legal solutions.

We are dedicated to helping families find clarity, fairness, and long-term stability.

Montgomery County Paternity FAQs

How is paternity established in Texas?

Paternity can be established through presumption (if married), a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, or a court order supported by DNA testing.

What if the father refuses DNA testing?

The court can compel testing. Refusal may result in a default judgment or other legal consequences.

Can paternity be established after a child’s birth?

Yes. Paternity can be established at any time, although it’s best to do so early to secure parental rights and support obligations.

What happens after paternity is confirmed?

The court can issue orders for child support, custody, and visitation, and the father’s name may be added to the birth certificate.

Can paternity be challenged after it’s been acknowledged?

Yes, but strict time limits apply—usually within four years of signing the acknowledgment, unless fraud or mistake is proven.

Can a mother deny visitation after paternity is established?

No. Once paternity and custody orders are in place, both parents must comply with court-approved visitation schedules.

Does paternity affect inheritance rights?

Yes. Legally recognized children can inherit from their fathers and qualify for benefits such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits.

Can grandparents gain rights after paternity is established?

Yes. Once paternity is legally recognized, paternal grandparents may seek visitation or custody in certain situations.

How long does it take to establish paternity?

The timeline varies depending on cooperation and court availability, but many cases are resolved within a few months.

Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case?

Yes. Legal representation ensures compliance with Texas law and protects your parental rights throughout the process.

Serving Montgomery County

• Conroe
• The Woodlands
• Magnolia
• Montgomery
• Willis
• Oak Ridge North
• Shenandoah
• Panorama Village
• Cut and Shoot
• Splendora
• Porter
• New Caney
• Pinehurst
• Woodbranch
• Roman Forest

Contact The Skilled Montgomery County Paternity Lawyers at Lindamood & Robinson, P.C.

If you need to establish, challenge, or enforce paternity, Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. can help. Our attorneys provide experienced, compassionate representation designed to protect your rights and your child’s future.

Schedule a confidential consultation today with an experienced Montgomery County paternity lawyer who will help you navigate this critical legal process and secure the clarity and fairness your family deserves.