Paternity Lawyer in Houston, TX – Establishing Parental Rights
Paternity is the legal recognition of a father’s relationship to a child—and it’s a vital step in ensuring parental rights and responsibilities are fully protected under Texas law. While mothers automatically have legal rights at birth, unmarried fathers must establish paternity to gain custody, visitation, or child support rights. Whether you’re seeking to establish paternity or contest it, Mokolo Law Firm is here to help.
Our experienced family law attorneys represent both mothers and fathers in paternity actions throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We guide clients through voluntary acknowledgments, court-ordered DNA testing, and contested suits. Our goal is always to secure what’s best for the child while protecting your rights and clarifying legal responsibilities.
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Establishing paternity is often the first step in filing for custody, child support, or visitation rights in Texas. It also ensures that children have access to medical history, financial support, and the emotional connection of knowing both parents. Whether you’re a father seeking to build a relationship with your child, or a mother needing legal recognition of parentage, Mokolo Law Firm is prepared to assist.
Why Choose Mokolo Law Firm for Paternity Suits?
We understand how emotional and legally significant paternity cases can be. At Mokolo Law Firm, we bring a balanced and respectful approach to every paternity dispute. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating parenting agreements, securing DNA testing orders, and litigating when necessary to establish or challenge paternity in court. We aim to protect the child’s best interest while ensuring your legal rights as a parent are fully exercised.
Whether you’re confirming fatherhood to gain custody rights, seeking child support, or responding to a paternity claim, you’ll get strategic representation and compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions – Paternity in Texas
Why is paternity important?
Establishing paternity gives fathers legal rights and responsibilities to their child, including custody, visitation, and the obligation to provide support. It also gives the child access to benefits such as inheritance, Social Security, and medical history.
How is paternity established in Texas?
Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP), or through a court-ordered paternity test.
Can I request a paternity test?
Yes. Either parent can file a petition with the court to request DNA testing if there is a dispute about the biological father’s identity.
What if the father refuses to sign the AOP?
If there’s no agreement, the court can order a paternity test. Once the biological relationship is confirmed, the court may issue orders for child support, custody, or visitation.
Does establishing paternity automatically grant custody?
Not automatically. Once paternity is established, a father can petition the court for custody, visitation, or to be included in conservatorship decisions. Mokolo Law Firm can help you file the proper documents.
Can paternity be challenged after it has been established?
Yes, but it becomes more complicated. If paternity was established voluntarily or by court order, legal procedures must be followed to contest it. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and advise on next steps.