Austin Paternity Attorney

Paternity disputes are among the most important and sensitive family law matters in Texas. Whether you are a mother seeking child support, a father striving to establish custody and visitation rights, or a man challenging a presumption of fatherhood, paternity must first be legally established.

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our experienced Austin paternity attorneys help parents navigate these complex and often emotional cases. We understand how crucial it is for children to receive financial support, stability, and meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible. With decades of combined legal experience, our team provides compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.

Call (512) 991-0576 today to schedule a confidential consultation with an Austin paternity lawyer.

What Is Paternity in Texas?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Once paternity is established, the father assumes both rights and responsibilities under Texas law, including:

• Conservatorship (custody) and visitation rights
• Child support obligations
• Decision-making authority regarding education, medical care, and other key issues
• Access to the child’s records, including medical and school documents
• Eligibility for the child to receive benefits such as inheritance, insurance, and Social Security

For mothers, paternity is often necessary to ensure child support and shared parenting responsibilities. For fathers, establishing paternity is the critical first step to gaining custody and access rights. And for children, it provides financial security and a stronger foundation for building relationships with both parents.

How Is Paternity Established in Austin?

Texas law provides several ways to establish paternity:

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)

When both parents agree, they can sign an AOP form, typically at the hospital after the child is born or later through the Texas Vital Statistics Unit. This is a straightforward method when there is no dispute.

2. Presumption of Paternity

If a child is born during a marriage, or within 300 days of a divorce, the husband is presumed to be the legal father. However, presumptions can sometimes be challenged if new evidence emerges.

3. Court-Ordered Paternity (DNA Testing)

When parents disagree, or when the mother, alleged father, or Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) petitions the court, genetic testing may be ordered. DNA tests are painless and highly accurate, providing clarity in contested cases.

Once paternity is confirmed, the court can issue orders regarding custody, visitation, and child support.

Why Paternity Matters

Paternity cases affect more than just legal paperwork—they profoundly shape family relationships and financial stability.

• For Mothers: Establishing paternity is often essential to secure child support.
• For Fathers: It ensures legal rights to custody, visitation, and involvement in the child’s life.
• For Children: It provides financial support, emotional stability, and access to benefits such as medical insurance, inheritance, and government programs.

Without legal paternity, children may face financial insecurity, fathers may be denied access, and mothers may struggle without proper support.

Challenging Paternity in Texas

While many paternity cases involve fathers seeking to establish their rights, some situations call for the opposite—challenging paternity.

In 2011, Texas passed Senate Bill 785, which allows presumed fathers or men who previously signed an Acknowledgment of Paternity to challenge their status if they later learn information suggesting they are not the biological father.

If successful, these challenges can relieve men of child support obligations and clarify legal responsibilities. Because these cases are complex and emotionally charged, working with an experienced Austin paternity attorney is critical to ensure your rights are protected.

Common Issues in Paternity Cases

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we regularly assist clients with issues such as:

• Mothers seeking child support from absent fathers
• Fathers denied visitation or custody until paternity is established
• Disputes over DNA testing or voluntary acknowledgments
• Presumed fathers challenging mistaken paternity
• Parents seeking to modify existing custody or support orders after establishing paternity
• Cases initiated by the Texas HHSC when benefits such as TANF are involved

Our attorneys provide clear explanations of your options, develop a tailored legal strategy, and advocate aggressively on your behalf both inside and outside the courtroom.

The Legal Process in Austin Paternity Cases

Every paternity case is unique, but most follow a similar legal path:

1. Filing a Petition: The process begins with petitioning the court to establish paternity.
2. Voluntary Acknowledgment: If both parents agree, they may sign the AOP, making paternity legally binding.
3. DNA Testing: When contested, the court orders testing to scientifically establish parentage.
4. Court Hearings: If disputes remain, litigated hearings determine paternity and related legal rights.
5. Enforcement of Rights & Child Support: After establishing paternity, the court can issue orders regarding custody and financial support.

Our team guides clients through each stage, ensuring deadlines are met, rights are preserved, and your case is positioned for the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Cofer & Connelly for Your Paternity Case?

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we bring a unique blend of courtroom experience, negotiation skill, and client-focused advocacy to every case. Our attorneys include former judges and prosecutors, giving us a deep understanding of how Texas family courts handle paternity disputes.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• Personalized representation tailored to your goals.
• Clear communication so you always understand your options.
• Aggressive advocacy in court when necessary.
• Compassionate support during what is often an emotionally difficult process.

We are proud to serve clients throughout Austin and Travis County, and we have earned a reputation for excellence in family law matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can paternity be established before birth?
Yes. Texas allows for prenatal paternity testing, though it is more common to establish paternity after birth through an AOP or DNA testing.

What if the alleged father refuses DNA testing?
The court can compel genetic testing. A refusal may result in default rulings against the alleged father.

How long does the paternity process take in Austin?
Timelines vary depending on whether parents agree, but cases involving disputes or court-ordered DNA testing can take several months.

Can I change my child’s birth certificate after paternity is established?
Yes. Once paternity is confirmed, the Texas Vital Statistics Unit can amend the birth certificate to list the legal father.

Speak with an Austin Paternity Attorney Today

Paternity cases affect the most important relationships in your life—those with your children. Whether you are seeking to establish or challenge paternity, or need guidance on related custody and support issues, the attorneys at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC are here to help.

Call us today at (512) 991-0576 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Austin paternity lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can File a Paternity Case in Austin?

A mother, alleged father, child (through a representative), or a government agency such as the Texas Office of the Attorney General can initiate a paternity action in Travis County. Each party has standing under the Texas Family Code to request the court’s determination.

Does Establishing Paternity Affect Child Custody & Support?

Yes. Once paternity is established, the court can make orders for child support, custody, medical authority, and visitation based on the child's best interests.

Do I Need to Go to Court for Paternity in Austin?

Many paternity issues can be resolved through mutual agreement and proper paperwork, but contested cases—or situations requiring enforceable orders—may require a hearing in a Travis County family court.