Establishing Paternity in Texas

Establishing paternity serves many purposes. No matter what your situation looks like, if you’re looking to establish paternity in Texas, it’s important to understand the process. While parents often look at paternity from their perspective, it’s also valuable to understand the importance of paternity for the child’s sake.

Do you have to establish paternity in Texas?

If the parents are unmarried at the time of birth, the child has no father until paternity is established. Technically speaking, no. Paternity does not have to be established at any point. However, there are a number of reasons for establishing paternity in the state of Texas.

Why establish paternity in Texas?

Maybe you’re a father who is looking to establish a relationship with your child. Or maybe you’re a mother who needs support, both financially and in raising the child. Maybe you are a child seeking answers and who desires the opportunity to unlock the support to which you’re entitled. Whatever the reason, establishing paternity is the first step in reaching your goal.

A child has the right to access information and paternal benefits. Without establishing paternity, the child may never have a complete medical history. Additionally, the child may miss out on financial benefits they are entitled to, such as social security benefits if the father is disabled or family inheritance. 

How to establish paternity in Texas?

There are three standard ways in which you can establish paternity in Texas. The first is legal presumption. This takes place when the parents are married at the time that the child is born. The second is by filing an acknowledgment of paternity. The third is by court order.

If you are looking to establish paternity for a child who already has a presumed father who is not you, there is a time limit at play. You have four years from the time the child is born to establish paternity. There are a few exceptions to this rule, so it would be best to seek legal counsel.

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