Houston Paternity Lawyer

Establishing paternity is an important step to take in establishing the legal rights of a parent. After paternity is established, a father will have the right to seek custody, decision-making rights and visitation with the child and will be required to pay child support. Paternity suits are now known more commonly as parentage suits. These suits seek to establish the legal relationship between the biological father and the child.

For legal advice regarding establishing paternity, contact the Law Offices of Judith E. Blanchard, P.C.

For Unmarried and Separated Parents

Establishing paternity is done through a DNA test. Usually, people seeking paternity are either unmarried or separated at the time the child is born. The need to establish paternity may also arise when a parent is interested in terminating parental rights so that a stepparent can adopt a child. The parental rights of the biological father or mother need to be terminated before the adoption can be granted.

Step Parent Adoption

As your attorney, I can guide you through the legal complexities of adopting a step child. The non-custodial parent needs to terminate his or her parental rights voluntarily or by the judge’s decision. Adopting a child is an exciting time for the family, and I enjoy bringing children together with the adults who love them.

Since 1989, I have approached the legal concerns of individuals and families with care and commonsense. Issues involving children need to be approached with an additional level of care and concern.

To speak with me about paternity or adoption issues, contact my firm.