Waco Paternity Lawyer
Our paternity attorneys represent women and men through the paternity process in Waco family courts. Paternity is the legal determination of whether someone is the biological father of a child. Since 1925, our law firm has been serving families like yours in their most important family law cases. Let us help your family too. If you are a mother seeking to prove your child’s paternity or a man seeking to establish or dispute paternity, please call Dunnam & Dunnam today at 254-753-6437 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Establishing Paternity in Texas
Legally establishing paternity, either through agreement or DNA testing, enables the family law courts to address critical issues such as child custody, child support, and visitation in cases where a child is born to unmarried couples or where actual paternity is in doubt.
Not only can the mother or probable father file a suit to determine paternity, but the child (or representative of the child) or a government agency may pursue such action. Paternity suits may be brought before the child is born and up to two years after the child reaches legal adulthood at 18. The costs of filing a paternity suit and the necessary testing are usually divided between both parties, although a judge can rule otherwise.
Presumed Fathers in Texas
Under Texas law, when a child is conceived in or born into a marriage, the husband is presumed to be the legal and actual father. A paternity suit can be brought by another man who believes he is the biological father to establish paternity and ensure his parental rights.
A husband may also contest the paternity of a child conceived or born in marriage, although success in these cases requires overcoming a legal presumption of fatherhood.
Hire a Waco Paternity Lawyer
To discuss your case’s specifics with an experienced Texas paternity lawyer, contact one of our Waco paternity lawyers at 254-753-6437.
Hire a Waco Paternity Attorney
Vance Dunnam
Vance has 60 years of experience as a lawyer in Waco, Texas handling all types of cases in both the office and the courtroom.
Read MoreMerrilee L. Harmon
Merrilee L. Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985.
Read MoreJim Dunnam
Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law.
Read MoreEleeza Johnson
Eleeza's practice areas include: Personal Injury Law, Civil Trial Law, Commercial Law, Family Law and Pharmaceutical Law.
Read MoreGerald R. Villarrial
Gerald R. Villarrial has practiced family law, criminal law and civil litigation for over 20 years.
Read MoreMason Dunnam
Mason Dunnam is the fourth generation of Dunnam attorneys at the firm since 1925
Read MoreCarolina Truesdale
Carolina G. Truesdale graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, Cum Laude.
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