What if I Do Not Want to Establish Paternity in Texas?

 Posted on March 17, 2022 in Family Law

Many women who have a child outside of marriage or immediately following a divorce may wonder whether they want to involve the child’s father. By the time a child is born, a woman may know enough about a man to feel as though the benefits she and the child would get from child support or shared custody would not be worth the hassle of dealing with a bum or an abuser.

Some women may have already tried to get a man to voluntarily acknowledge paternity of a child to no avail and may be wondering whether it would be easier to keep him out of the picture altogether. Before you give up on establishing paternity, there are some important considerations you may want to balance. An experienced Texas paternity lawyer can help you weigh your options and come to a decision.

What are the Benefits of Establishing Paternity?

Establishing paternity can have many benefits for the mother, the father, and, most importantly, the child. While a mother may clearly see a man’s character as lacking in important areas, a child nonetheless needs the guidance of his or her father and a man may prove himself worthy of stepping up to meet this challenge, even if he is imperfect.

And while many tough, smart women manage to be successful single parents, it is not easy to raise a child by yourself. Having someone else be legally responsible for a child so you can take a break and get some sleep might be your saving grace when you just cannot stand the thought of changing another diaper or dealing with another fight over homework.

Finally, having court-ordered child support payments means that you do not have to shoulder the expense of raising a child alone. Many estimates suggest that, from birth to high school graduation, raising a child costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. If a man refuses to pay, there are legal avenues for pursuing child support payments at no cost to you.

What if a Man Refuses to Acknowledge Paternity?

If you know or suspect a man is the father of your child, you can ask a Texas court to require him to submit a DNA test. If he tries to dodge the court order and does not submit the test, he can be held in contempt of court and face fines and criminal charges. Although it might be a hassle, once paternity has been established, the father’s name appears on the birth certificate and he is now legally required to share responsibility for raising your child.

Meet with a Dallas, TX Paternity Lawyer

Before you make any significant decisions regarding paternity, consult with an experienced Dallas paternity attorney with Clark Law Group. We can help you explore your options in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment. Call us today at 469-906-2266 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.

Source:

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/files/child-support/Publications/Paternity-Child-Support-and-You.pdf