Paternity

Addison Paternity Action Lawyer

Unless a father signs the birth certificate in the hospital, he is not legally established as the father and as such does not have set rights or obligations toward the child. A paternity action is a means to establish paternity as well as set forth rights and responsibilities. At the Law Office of Chris Schmiedeke, PC, we represent mothers and fathers on both sides of paternity actions in Texas.

Fathers' Rights

Our attorney asserts fathers' rights in paternity actions. By establishing paternity, we enable our clients to request visitation rights, petition for a modification in child custody or contest stepparent adoption (adoption would effectively terminate the parental rights of the biological parent)

Paternity Impacts Child Support Rights and Obligations

A parent cannot be ordered to pay child support unless paternity has been legally established. Therefore, if a mother is requesting support, she must go through the process of a paternity action to prove the individual is the father and responsible for supporting the child. Likewise, if the individual believes he is not the father, a paternity action enables him to prove through DNA testing that he is not the father and thus not responsible.

How Establishing Paternity Benefits the Child

Every child should have ample opportunity to build a strong relationship with both a mother and a father. By establishing paternity, the father may request visitation rights through the court. As a result, father and child can spend quality time together and develop a nurturing bond. In addition, once paternity is established, the child is granted rights to inheritance and may receive health care benefits under the father's insurance coverage.

Experienced Paternity Help: Dallas ∙ Frisco ∙ Carrollton

Whether you have been requested to take a paternity test, wish to receive visitation rights, or would like to establish child support obligations, we can help you understand your rights and offer skilled guidance. Contact our Addison law office to speak with a skilled paternity attorney.