For unmarried parents in Texas, a parent-child relationship does not automatically grant a father legal rights. Establishing paternity is the crucial first step toward securing legal rights and responsibilities. As a leading Paternity Lawyer Houston, Karen Torres Law is committed to representing both mothers and fathers in an Original Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) to legally establish parentage, enforce support, and secure fair custody and visitation orders. We are also a strong advocate for Fathers’ Rights Texas, ensuring equitable treatment under the law.
Call us now at (713) 576-0400 to get started with a free, confidential review of your family’s case.
Why Choose Karen Torres Law for Paternity
Establishing legal paternity is not just about a DNA test; it’s about securing a child’s right to a relationship with their father, inheritance, and benefits. For fathers, it’s about gaining legal access and rights. Karen Torres is an experienced Fathers’ Rights Attorney Texas who understands the common challenges fathers face in the courts. We ensure your voice is heard, from challenging or confirming parentage to advocating for a Standard Possession Order and Joint Managing Conservatorship.
Services We Provide
-
Filing an Original Suit to Establish Paternity Harris County and the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR).
-
Requests and enforcement of court-ordered DNA and genetic testing.
-
Challenging or confirming an existing Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP).
-
Seeking possession and access orders (visitation) for the father.
-
Litigating conservatorship, custody, and child support orders following paternity establishment.
-
Defending men against wrongful or mistaken paternity allegations.
-
Representing fathers seeking to legitimize their parental role.
How We Help You
For mothers, we streamline the process to secure a legal finding of paternity, leading directly to enforceable child support and medical support orders. For fathers, we move to immediately establish your legal role. We guide you through the mandatory DNA testing process and, once paternity is confirmed, we aggressively advocate for a custody and possession schedule that respects your right to a meaningful relationship with your child, often including the Texas Standard Possession Order.
Why Paternity Matters in Houston
Harris County has a high number of children born to unmarried parents, making SAPCR and paternity cases extremely common. The local courts prioritize the establishment of legal parentage for the child’s benefit. Without a court order confirming parentage, an unmarried father has virtually no rights to visitation or decision-making. Utilizing a dedicated Paternity Lawyer Houston ensures this foundational legal step is done correctly, preventing future custody disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the legal difference between Paternity and the Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)? The AOP is a voluntary form signed by both parents, typically at the hospital, that legally establishes paternity without a court order. A court-ordered Paternity suit is filed when one parent disagrees or when a parent refuses to sign the AOP.
-
Does signing an AOP give the father custody rights? The AOP establishes legal fatherhood but does not automatically grant custody or visitation rights. You still need a court-signed order (SAPCR) to define conservatorship, possession, and child support.
-
As a father, can I refuse a DNA test? If a Paternity suit is filed, the court will typically order genetic testing. Refusing to participate can result in the court resolving the question of parentage against you by default and entering a child support order.
-
Once paternity is established, what about child support? Once paternity is legally established, the court will issue an order for child support based on the Texas statutory guidelines, which is retroactive (back-dated) to when the suit was filed or earlier.
-
What if I was named the father on the birth certificate but am not the biological father? If you signed the AOP but later believe you are not the biological father, you may be able to file a Suit to Rescind or Challenge the AOP, but Texas law imposes strict time limits and legal hurdles for doing so.
Client Testimonials
“I am a father who wanted to be legally involved in my daughter’s life. Karen Torres Law handled the Paternity suit efficiently and secured my rights to visitation and decision-making. I couldn’t be happier.” – David R.
“The mother of my child refused to cooperate. Karen immediately filed the SAPCR and secured the court-ordered DNA test. She then fought for my Standard Possession Order. Excellent Fathers’ Rights representation.” – Michael S., Sugar Land
“When a mistaken paternity issue arose, Karen guided me through the complex process of challenging the AOP. Her knowledge of Texas Family Code saved me from an unfair financial and legal obligation.” – Greg T.
