San Antonio Paternity Lawyer – Establishing & Protecting Parental Rights
When a child is born to unmarried parents in Texas, important legal rights do not automatically exist for the father — even if both parents know who the biological father is. Paternity must be legally established before a father can obtain custody rights, visitation, or be ordered to pay child support.
Our office represents parents in San Antonio, Bexar County, New Braunfels, Seguin, San Marcos, and surrounding areas in all paternity matters, including establishing legal fatherhood, asserting parental rights, obtaining child support, and resolving disputed paternity cases.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
Establishing legal paternity gives both parents important rights and responsibilities.
For Fathers, establishing paternity provides:
- Custody rights (conservatorship)
- Visitation and parenting time
- Right to make decisions for the child
- Protection against being denied access
- Ability to enforce your rights in court
For Mothers, establishing paternity provides:
- Child support
- Medical support
- Ability to pursue enforcement for nonpayment
- Clear parental responsibilities
For Children, establishing paternity provides:
- Financial support
- Medical insurance eligibility
- Inheritance rights
- Access to family medical history
- Emotional and legal stability
How Paternity Is Established in Texas
There are three main ways to establish paternity under Texas law:
1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)
Parents may sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form to legally recognize the biological father.
This is common when both parents agree on paternity.
We assist clients in completing and filing the form properly to avoid legal issues later.
2. DNA Testing (Court-Ordered or Agreed)
If paternity is disputed, the court can order genetic testing.
DNA testing is:
- Quick
- Non-invasive
- Highly accurate
Once results confirm paternity, the court will issue orders establishing rights and responsibilities.
3. Paternity Lawsuit (SAPCR – Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship)
If parents do not agree, a parent can file a SAPCR case to:
- Establish paternity
- Create a custody and visitation schedule
- Establish child support
- Determine parental rights and duties
We represent fathers and mothers in SAPCR paternity cases throughout Bexar County.
Rights of Unmarried Fathers in Texas
Unmarried fathers often believe they have automatic rights — but this is not true unless paternity is legally established.
Without legal paternity, a father:
Has no enforceable visitation rights
Can be denied access to the child
Cannot make decisions for the child
Can be relocated away from without notice
Can be ordered to pay support retroactively
Once paternity is established, a father may obtain:
Joint managing conservatorship
A possession schedule (visitation)
Right to make decisions for the child
Right to attend school and medical appointments
Right to receive information
Protection against denial of access
We help fathers assert their parental rights quickly and effectively.
Contested Paternity Cases
Sometimes paternity is not clear or is actively disputed.
We handle cases involving:
- Allegations of mistaken paternity
- Multiple potential fathers
- Paternity fraud
- Genetic testing refusals
- Retroactive child support claims
- Prior mistaken Acknowledgment of Paternity
Texas law provides strict timelines and procedures for challenging paternity — and missing them can permanently affect your rights.
We guide parents through these complex situations.
Paternity & Child Support
Once paternity is established, the court will typically address:
- Current child support
- Medical support
- Retroactive child support (in some cases)
- Payment of birth-related expenses
- Reimbursement issues
We ensure that support orders are accurate, fair, and based on verified income.
Paternity & Custody/Visitation
After confirming paternity, parents still need enforceable orders for:
- Conservatorship (decision-making)
- Possession and access (visitation)
- Geographic restrictions
- Phone and electronic communication
- Holiday schedules
We help parents create parenting plans that protect the child’s best interests and the father’s rights.
Modification of Paternity Orders
Once a paternity order is in place, it can be modified if circumstances change:
- New work schedule
- Relocation
- Unsafe parenting environment
- Interference with visitation
- Child’s needs have changed
- Substance abuse issues arise
We file modification cases to ensure orders remain appropriate and enforceable.
Why Choose Our Office for Paternity Cases
- Extensive experience with SAPCR and paternity cases
- Strong advocacy for both mothers and fathers
- Knowledge of Bexar County judges and procedures
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Fast action when access to a child is being denied
- Honest guidance and realistic expectations
We focus on protecting your child’s stability while asserting your legal rights.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you need to establish paternity, dispute paternity, or assert your rights as a parent, contact our office today.
Call now to schedule a consultation.