What if the mother is not sure who the father is?

If the mother is not sure who the father is, paternity law in Texas requires the mother to select a potential father and file a paternity lawsuit against him in a Texas court. This lawsuit must provide evidence that the potential father is the likely biological father. If the potential father denies the allegations, the court can order a DNA test be done to determine the biological father. If the DNA test confirms that the potential father is the biological father, the court will issue a paternity order granting the father rights to the child. This order will also require the father to provide child support. After the paternity order is issued, the father has the right to legally recognize the child as his son or daughter and has the right to be listed on the birth certificate. The father also may become eligible for certain rights such as the right to visit the child, or the right to receive medical information and records concerning the child. If the DNA test confirms that the potential father is not the biological father, the courts will dismiss the case and the mother will be required to initiate a new paternity lawsuit against a new potential father.

Related FAQs

What is the statute of limitations for challenging paternity?
How is paternity established if the father is not available to take a DNA test?
What is a paternity suit?
What if the father has doubts about his paternity?
If I am the father, do I have to pay child support?
When can a paternity test be conducted?
What legal rights does a father have for a child born out of wedlock?
Can a father demand a DNA test to prove paternity?
What if the father chooses not to take a paternity test?
How is child support established for a paternity case?

Related Blog Posts

Overview of Paternity Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Establishing Parentage in Paternity Law: What Does it Take? - August 7, 2023
Child Support Implications of Paternity Law: Essential Considerations - August 14, 2023
Establishing Visitation Rights Through Paternity Law - August 21, 2023
Understanding the Impact of Paternity Law on Adoption Processes - August 28, 2023