Good Reasons to Establish Paternity if You Are On the Fence

 Posted on July 18, 2025 in Child Custody

In Texas, establishing paternity is more than a legal formality. It creates rights and responsibilities that can impact a child’s well-being for years to come. For parents, understanding the benefits of legally determining a child’s father can help you make an informed decision about this important step.

Paternity is not automatic for unmarried parents. Without a legal determination, the father may have no enforceable rights to visitation or custody, and the child may not receive critical financial or medical benefits. If you are about to be a father or mother and are not sure whether you want to establish legal paternity, consider the following reasons and then talk to our Palo Pinto, TX paternity lawyer for information specific to your case.

Why Paternity Matters for Fathers

When a man establishes paternity in Texas, he gains the legal right to seek custody or visitation and participate in decisions about the child’s upbringing. This can be especially important for fathers who want to play an active role in their child’s life but are not married to the mother.

Legal paternity also allows a father to request that his name be added to the child’s birth certificate and gives him standing in court to challenge decisions that affect his child. Without it, even a father who has been involved since birth may have no say in key matters if disputes arise.

Why Paternity Benefits Mothers

For mothers, establishing paternity ensures access to child support and other resources that may help provide for the child’s needs. Texas law requires both parents to support their children financially, and paternity is the first step in enforcing that obligation.

It can also give mothers peace of mind by clarifying parental rights and responsibilities, reducing the risk of disputes over custody and support later on.

Why Paternity is Good for Children

Perhaps most importantly, paternity benefits children. Once paternity is established, a child gains access to their father’s health insurance, inheritance rights, and government benefits such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits if applicable. Knowing both parents can also help children develop a stronger sense of identity and connection to their family history.

In addition, having both parents legally recognized makes it easier to ensure that the child has access to medical histories from both sides of the family, which can be vital for diagnosing and treating certain health conditions.

Legal Options for Establishing Paternity in Texas

Paternity in Texas can be established voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity or through a court order if there is disagreement about parentage. Once established, both parents have enforceable rights and obligations under Texas law.

Contact a Palo Pinto, TX Paternity Attorney

If you have questions about establishing paternity and how it affects your rights and your child’s future, call a Parker County, TX paternity lawyer at The Law Offices of Kary L. Key. We can guide you through the process and help protect your family’s interests. Contact us today at 817-599-6969.