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Arlington | Paternity
Understanding Your Rights in an Arlington Paternity Case
Arlington Paternity Lawyer
Determining legal parentage is one of the most important steps in protecting your rights as a parent—whether you’re the child’s mother or biological father. At the Law Office of Wendy L. Hart, our experienced Arlington paternity lawyer helps clients navigate the emotional and legal challenges that come with establishing or disputing paternity. Whether you’re pursuing child support, fighting for custody, or trying to formally establish paternity, our family-focused attorney will ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled with care. We provide the trusted legal guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Voluntary and Involuntary Paternity Establishment
Paternity matters are among the most sensitive and impactful issues families face in Arlington, Texas. Whether you are a father seeking to establish your parental rights, a mother needing to secure support for your child, or a parent facing a paternity dispute, the guidance of a knowledgeable Arlington paternity lawyer is essential.
The Law Firm of Wendy L. Hart understands the complexities of paternity law. We are dedicated to helping clients navigate every step of the legal process to protect their rights and the best interests of their children.
Understanding Paternity Representation in Arlington
Family law firms in Arlington are equipped to guide clients through the often complex process of determining parentage. Whether you are seeking to be recognized as a child’s legal father, need to challenge a paternity claim, or want to clarify your obligations and rights, a skilled family law attorney is your advocate in family court. The legal system can be intimidating. But with the right representation, you can achieve a fair and just outcome for your family.
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(817) 842-2336
Address
200 W. Oak Street Mansfield, TX 76063
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Wendy has worked on two separate family issues I have had. She always provides sound advice and recommendations regarding family law. She will always be the first person I go to when I have a question or a problem.
– Darcy
Legal Grounds for Establishing or Challenging Paternity
Paternity cases arise for many reasons. Sometimes, a father wishes to establish a legal relationship with a child. In other instances, a mother may seek to confirm paternity to secure child support. There are also situations where a presumed or alleged father may wish to challenge paternity due to doubts about biological parentage. The most common legal grounds are:
- Establishing Paternity: Filing a paternity action to be recognized as the legal father, often to gain custody or visitation rights.
- Challenging Paternity: Disputing an existing paternity determination, especially if there are questions about biological parentage.
- Securing Child Support: Mothers may initiate a paternity case to obtain financial support for their child.
- Correcting Legal Records: Amending a birth certificate or other legal documents to reflect the correct parentage.
Legal actions in paternity cases often involve submitting a petition or paternity form to the court, requesting a DNA test, and presenting evidence to support your claim. The Law Firm of Wendy L. Hart can evaluate your situation, gather necessary documentation, and build a strong case on your behalf.
The Legal Process to Establish or Challenge Paternity
Navigating a paternity case in Arlington involves several key steps, each requiring careful attention to legal detail:
- Filing a Petition: The process begins with filing a petition or paternity form in family court. This legal action formally requests the court’s intervention to determine or challenge paternity.
- Serving the Parties: All parties involved—including the alleged father, mother, and sometimes the child—must be properly notified.
- DNA Testing: In most cases, the court will order a DNA test to scientifically determine biological parentage. This test is highly accurate and forms the foundation of many paternity decisions.
- Reviewing Birth Certificates: The court may examine the child’s birth certificate to see if a father is already listed, which can impact the presumption of paternity.
- Court Hearing: After reviewing evidence, the family court holds a hearing to make a final determination. Both parties can present testimony, documentation, and legal arguments.
- Issuing a Paternity Order: If paternity is established, the court issues a paternity order, formalizing the legal relationship between the father and child.
A paternity lawyer helps clients at every stage—ensuring paperwork gets filed correctly, representing them in court, and advising on the best legal strategies.
The Role of Biological and Presumed Fathers in Paternity Law
Understanding the distinctions between biological, presumed, and legal fathers is vital in any Arlington paternity case.
- Biological Father: The man whose DNA matches the child’s. Scientific testing can prove this relationship.
- Presumed Father: A man who is legally presumed to be the father, often because he was married to the child’s mother at the time of birth or shortly after. Texas law grants presumed fathers certain rights and responsibilities, even if they are not the biological parent.
- Legal Father: A man recognized by law as the child’s father, either through marriage, acknowledgment, or court order. The legal father has full parental rights and obligations.
The child’s parentage is determined differently depending on whether the parents are married or unmarried. When a child is born to married parents, the husband is usually presumed to be the father. Unmarried parents must typically establish their child’s paternity through a legal process. An Arlington paternity attorney can explain your rights and help you understand your position under Texas law.
Paternity and Its Impact on Custody and Support
Establishing paternity has significant implications for child custody, child support, and visitation rights in Arlington.
- Child Custody: Once paternity is established, the father can seek custody or visitation rights. The court considers the child’s best interests, the parent’s relationship with the child, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment.
- Child Support: A paternity order allows the court to set child support obligations, ensuring the child receives financial support from both parents.
- Visitation Rights: Fathers who establish paternity can request visitation, allowing them to build and maintain a relationship with their child.
Family courts in Arlington weigh several factors when determining custody and support, including the child’s needs, the parents’ living situations, and any history of family violence or neglect. An experienced paternity lawyer can present your case effectively and advocate for a fair outcome.
When Paternity Intersects with Divorce and Unmarried Parenting
Paternity issues often arise in the context of divorce or when parents are unmarried. These situations present unique challenges and require careful legal navigation.
- Divorce: During divorce proceedings, questions about a child’s parentage may surface, especially if there are doubts about biological relationships or if the child was born outside the marriage. Establishing or challenging paternity may be necessary to resolve disputes of custody and support.
- Unmarried Parents: When parents are not married, the mother or alleged father may need to initiate a paternity action to clarify parental rights and obligations. Texas law offers protections for both mothers and fathers to prioritize the child’s best interests.
Regardless of marital status, both the child’s mother and father have the right to seek a fair and just outcome in family court. As an Arlington paternity lawyer, Wendy L. Hart can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.
Legal Support from an Experienced Arlington Paternity Lawyer
Paternity cases are often emotional, time-sensitive, and legally complex. Working with a qualified Arlington paternity lawyer ensures you have the support and advocacy you need. The Law Firm of Wendy L. Hart provides comprehensive legal services, including:
- Case Evaluation: Assess your unique situation and identify the optimal legal strategy.
- Document Preparation: Filing petitions, paternity forms, and supporting evidence.
- Court Representation: Advocating for your interests in family court hearings.
- DNA Testing Coordination: Arranging for court-ordered DNA tests and interpreting results.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Helping parents reach agreements outside of court when possible.
- Ongoing Legal Advice: Guiding custody, support, and visitation issues after the establishment of paternity.
We are dedicated to helping fathers, mothers, and families protect their rights and secure the best possible outcome for their children.
The Law Firm of Wendy L. Hart—An Experienced Arlington Paternity Lawyer
If you are facing a paternity issue in Arlington, Texas, work with an experienced paternity lawyer in Arlington to establish paternity in Texas. Contact The Law Firm of Wendy L. Hart to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced Arlington paternity lawyer. Schedule your appointment online or by calling us at (817) 769-6637.
We are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide immediate legal support for your family’s most sensitive and urgent matters. Let us help you take the next step toward clarity, security, and a brighter future for your child. Our team is ready to help you resolve your case with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to your family’s best interests.
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