"If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things."

~Rene Descartes

WHAT IS A PATERNITY SUIT?

A paternity suit is a lawsuit used to determine the biological parent of a child.  These suits are typically used when a child is born out of wedlock, if the husband is not believed to be the father of the child, or to reimburse the biological mother for pre-natal and post-natal expenses.

WHO MAY FILE A PATERNITY SUIT?

The following may file a paternity suit in Texas:

• The child;

• The mother of the child;

• A man whose paternity of the child is to be determined; or

• A government agency.

WHY FILE A PATERNITY SUIT?

Paternity suits are filed to establish a child's legal relationship with a biological parent and to establish child support, visitation rights or custody. 

HOW DOES A COURT DETERMINE PATERNITY?

Absent an agreement between the parties, the court will usually order genetic testing on the parties to determine paternity.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE GENETIC TESTING IS DONE?

After the tests have been completed the laboratories will prepare a report for the court.  If the tests show that the alleged parent is not the biological parent the case will be dismissed.  If the test shows that the alleged parent is at least 99% chance that they are the parent, the court will determine custody, visitation and support.

CAN A PARTY TO A PATERNITY SUIT RECOVER ATTORNEY FEES?

A court may assess filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, fees for genetic testing, other costs and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses.  However, the court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against the support enforcement agency of Texas or another state, except if provided by other laws.

HOW MUCH DOES A PATERNITY SUIT COST?

This question is difficult to answer because the complexity (or lack thereof) of each  situation will determine the amount of time and experience necessary to prepare the case. When you hire an attorney to pursue a claim or defend a claim, make sure that you fully understand the fee structure and that you are comfortable with the fee arrangement and the attorney. If you have questions regarding the fee or the fee arrangement, you should always ask.

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Principle Office is in Dallas, Texas.  Meetings with lawyers are by appointment only.

Anthony Veader is an attorney, mediator and counselor servicing Denton, Dallas and Collin counties which cities include: Allen, Celina, Fairview, Farmersville, Frisco, Lavon, Lucas, McKinney, Melissa, Murphy, Plano, Princeton, Prosper, Richardson, Aubrey, Carrollton, Corinth, Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Justin, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Ponder, Sanger, The Colony, Addison, Cedar Hill, Coppell, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Mesquite, Rowlett,  Seagoville, Wylie.  The Law Office of Anthony Veader, P.C. handles matters including, but not limited to divorce, modifications, child support, child custody, visitation, access, domestic abuse, military divorces, annulments, restraining orders, protective orders, paternity, Divorce Decree Enforcement and Divorce Decree Violations, Relocation and Travel Issues, Name Changes, Common Law Marriages, CPS Cases, AG Cases and IV-D Court Cases.

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