How long does a paternity suit take to resolve?
A paternity suit in Texas typically takes anywhere from two to six months to resolve. This time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s backlog of cases or other court-related delays, and the parties involved. Before a case is closed, the court must decide whether an individual is legally responsible for helping to support the child in question. Even if you are found to be the biological father of a child, you are not automatically found liable for the child’s future support. After gathering evidence and making an argument, the court will make a determination as to whether the man is the legal father or not. The court may order genetic testing to help determine the identity of the biological father. If the DNA testing results show that the man is the biological father of the child, the court will typically terminate the case. This could take an extra month or two if the DNA test results are not available immediately. Once the case is concluded, the court will issue a paternity order that identifies the father and outlines the father’s rights and responsibilities with regards to the child, such as any child support or visitation rights. If the case is concluded within two to six months, this would be considered a standard timeline for a paternity suit in the state of Texas.
Related FAQs
How do I collect child support if the father is not legally established?What if the mother is not sure who the father is?
Can a paternity test be done without the father's consent?
What is the difference between legal and genetic paternity?
How is paternity established if the father is not living in the same state as the mother?
How can a father establish legal paternity if the mother is unwilling to cooperate?
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Can a man seek a paternity test after the mother refuses to cooperate?
If paternity is not established, can the mother still get child support?
Are there any standard visitation rights that arise from establishing paternity?
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