League City Paternity Lawyer
Establishing paternity is a crucial step in protecting a child’s rights and securing fair legal responsibilities for both parents. Whether you are a mother seeking child support, a father seeking custody or visitation, or a family member trying to clarify legal parentage, establishing paternity provides clarity and stability for everyone involved. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we represent clients throughout Galveston County with skill and compassion. As an experienced League City paternity lawyer, our firm helps families navigate the legal process of determining parentage and ensuring that every child has the support and relationship they deserve.
Understanding Paternity in Texas
Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. Once paternity is established, both parents gain rights and responsibilities regarding custody, visitation, and child support.
In Texas, paternity can be established in three main ways:
- Presumption of Paternity: A man is presumed to be the father if he was married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth or within 300 days before the birth.
- Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): Both parents voluntarily sign a legal form acknowledging the father’s paternity.
- Court Order: If there is a dispute or uncertainty, paternity can be established through a court proceeding, often with genetic (DNA) testing.
Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. assists clients with each of these processes, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and compliance with Texas Family Code requirements.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
Determining paternity is about more than assigning a name—it creates legal and emotional foundations that benefit both the child and the parents.
Establishing paternity allows:
- Children to gain access to financial support, inheritance rights, medical coverage, and family history.
- Mothers to receive child support and shared parental responsibilities.
- Fathers to assert custody, visitation, and decision-making rights.
- Families to maintain emotional and legal stability.
Without legally established paternity, a father has no enforceable parental rights—even if he is biologically related to the child.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
The simplest way to establish paternity is through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP), signed by both parents. This document can be completed at the hospital after the child’s birth or later through the Texas Vital Statistics Unit.
Once filed, it gives the father immediate parental rights, allowing him to participate in decisions about the child’s upbringing. However, it also establishes financial responsibility for child support and medical care.
Our attorneys ensure that parents fully understand the legal implications of signing an AOP and that it is executed properly and voluntarily.
Court-Ordered Paternity Cases
When paternity is disputed, court intervention may be required. Either parent—or even the Texas Attorney General’s Office—can file a petition to establish paternity. The court may order:
- Genetic testing to determine biological parentage.
- Temporary custody or visitation orders while testing is pending.
- Final orders addressing child support, conservatorship, and access once paternity is confirmed.
Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. represents both mothers and fathers in contested paternity cases, ensuring that the truth is established and that parental rights are respected.
DNA Testing in Paternity Cases
DNA testing is the most reliable method of determining paternity, with accuracy rates exceeding 99%. Testing typically involves a simple cheek swab of the mother, child, and alleged father.
Our firm ensures that all testing is:
- Conducted through accredited laboratories.
- Properly documented and admissible in court.
- Used to support or refute paternity claims effectively.
Once testing confirms paternity, the court will issue a formal order establishing the legal relationship and outlining custody and support terms.
Custody and Support After Paternity Is Established
After paternity is legally confirmed, the court will address important issues such as:
- Custody (Conservatorship): Determining each parent’s rights to make decisions about the child’s upbringing.
- Visitation (Possession and Access): Establishing parenting time schedules and visitation rights.
- Child Support: Setting financial obligations based on Texas guidelines.
- Medical Support: Ensuring that the child has health insurance and care coverage.
Our attorneys help clients reach fair, sustainable arrangements that reflect both parents’ abilities and the child’s best interests.
Denial or Challenge of Paternity
In some cases, a man may wish to challenge paternity—particularly if he has been incorrectly identified as the father or if new evidence emerges. Texas law allows individuals to dispute paternity under certain conditions, often involving genetic testing or evidence of fraud or mistake.
We help clients:
- File or respond to petitions to deny paternity.
- Request DNA testing or court review.
- Terminate wrongful child support obligations when appropriate.
Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. ensures that every client’s rights are protected, whether they are seeking to establish or contest paternity.
Paternity and Unmarried Parents
Unmarried parents often face unique legal challenges. Without an established legal relationship, the father cannot seek custody, and the mother may not be able to pursue financial support.
Our firm helps unmarried parents:
- Establish legal paternity through AOPs or court orders.
- Negotiate parenting plans and visitation rights.
- Secure fair child support arrangements.
- Resolve disputes through mediation or court proceedings.
We guide both mothers and fathers through the process of building secure, legally recognized family structures.
Why Choose Lindamood & Robinson for Paternity Cases
Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. has earned a strong reputation across League City and the Greater Houston area for handling sensitive family law matters with care and professionalism. We understand how deeply personal paternity cases can be—and we treat every client with respect and discretion.
Clients choose our firm because we offer:
- Decades of experience in Texas family law and paternity proceedings.
- Skilled negotiation and courtroom advocacy.
- Clear guidance on parental rights, obligations, and child welfare.
- Compassionate, results-oriented legal representation.
- A commitment to protecting both parents’ and children’s best interests.
Whether you’re seeking to establish paternity or resolve a dispute, our attorneys are here to help you move forward confidently.
League City, TX Paternity FAQs
How is paternity established in Texas?
Through marriage, voluntary acknowledgment, or a court order supported by DNA testing.
Can a father get custody without paternity?
No. Legal paternity must be established before a father can seek custody or visitation rights.
Can a mother refuse DNA testing?
If ordered by the court, refusal can result in penalties or an automatic finding of paternity.
How long does it take to establish paternity?
Most cases take a few weeks to a few months, depending on cooperation and whether testing is required.
Can paternity be challenged later?
Yes. Paternity can be disputed in court if there is new evidence or proof of fraud.
Does signing an AOP make me legally responsible for child support?
Yes. Once filed, an AOP establishes both rights and financial responsibilities.
Can I add my name to my child’s birth certificate after establishing paternity?
Yes. Once paternity is legally confirmed, you can amend the birth certificate through the Texas Vital Statistics Unit.
What if the alleged father lives in another state?
Texas courts can coordinate with out-of-state agencies to arrange testing and enforce orders.
Does paternity affect inheritance rights?
Yes. A legally recognized child can inherit from both parents under Texas law.
Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case?
Yes. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected and that all documents and procedures comply with Texas law.
Serving League City and the Surrounding Areas
- League City
- Friendswood
- Clear Lake
- Webster
- Dickinson
- Kemah
- Seabrook
- Nassau Bay
- Santa Fe
- Bacliff
- San Leon
- Alvin
- Pearland
- Texas City
- Galveston
Contact The Skilled League City Paternity Lawyers at Lindamood & Robinson, P.C.
If you need to establish, dispute, or enforce paternity, Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. can help. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance and strategic advocacy to ensure fair outcomes for both parents and children.
Schedule a confidential consultation today with an experienced League City paternity lawyer who will protect your rights, clarify your obligations, and help secure your child’s future.
