713-333-4430Paternity Testing Options in Houston and What You Can Do After Getting the Results
In Houston and across Texas, questions about paternity can bring up a whirlwind of emotions ranging from confusion and anxiety to even hope and joy. Whether you’re a father hoping to establish rights, a mother seeking support in raising your child, or someone trying to bring legal clarity to complicated circumstances, all of it starts with one critical step: a paternity test. But what comes next? And where do you even get started?
Where You Can Get a Paternity Test in Houston
If you’re just searching for your own peace of mind and do not need the results of testing to be admissible in court, you may be tempted to grab a quick over-the-counter DNA test kit from your local pharmacy, retail big box store, or even grocery store. Many of these locations often sell paternity test kits, and the companies that manufacture and produce them market the tests as reliable, fast, and affordable. But here’s the catch: those results will not stand up in a Texas courtroom or even be considered. They’re all fine for private use, but if there’s any chance you’ll be dealing with conservatorship (whose custody is referred to in Texas family code 153.07), visitation, or child support, you will need and often times be required to have a court-approved test.
Don’t stress, though, because you have several options in Houston when it comes to legally valid paternity testing. You can choose to go through private DNA testing labs, clinics that specialize in legal paternity tests, or the Texas Attorney General’s (AG) Child Support Division. Many testing locations offer appointments within days and provide results in about four to six weeks. When done correctly, with a strict chain of custody (which is just a legal way of saying the sample is collected and handled by pros and not exposed to any risk of tampering), the results are nearly 100% accurate and accepted in court.
If your paternity test is a court-ordered one – as is often the case in disputes or child support – then the court or the AG’s Office will direct you on where you should go and when.
When Paternity Testing Becomes a Necessity
It’s not always about doubt or denial. Sometimes, both of the parents agree on the matter and the need to establish paternity, especially if they were never married. At other times, one parent may have doubts or be unwilling to acknowledge the other as the biological parent, and legal actions may become necessary.
There are also other instances where a man is already paying child support but has suspicions that he may not be biologically the parent of the child. Texas family law expresses that the father in these cases may request a court-ordered paternity test if he believes he’s been wrongly identified. It is essential, though, under these conditions, to be aware of any deadlines involved––and they are likely––especially if he’s listed on the birth certificate. Thus, acting expeditiously is key in these matters.
After the Test: What Happens if You’re the Father
Let’s say the test comes up and is a confirmation of paternity––you are the biological father of the child. What is next?
First, the court will most likely start by issuing a legal order establishing the paternity. The legal order includes items like child support, visitation, and custody. Many people assume that paternity means you’ll only be financially responsible. But it also gives you rights. You are now able to request to be involved in your child’s life, and this can manifest in many forms, like weekends together, holidays, joint decision-making, or, in some instances, primary custody arrangements.
The judge will always look to identify what is best for the particular child at the heart of the matter. If both parents are stable and want to be involved, courts tend to support arrangements where the child benefits from having both parents involved in their lives, schooling, and upbringing. But if you and the other parent is unable to see eye-to-eye, or should there be any safety concerns, the process gets more involved––and thus, it becomes crucial to have a skilled lawyer by your side.
What if the Test Says You’re Not the Father?
That result can be a relief––or a shock––depending on your situation. Either way, it’s imperative to act based on what the law permits.
If you were already making child support payments based on a mistaken assumption of paternity, you may have the ability to petition the court to terminate your legal obligations. However, be aware: even if the parental rights are eventually removed, you could still be responsible for any child support that was unpaid prior to the court’s order. Texas does not normally allow you to walk away from back support, even when paternity turns out to have been mistaken.
If you’re emotionally invested in the child and wish to continue being a part of their life, you still have some legal options. You may be able to seek custody or pursue visitation as a non-biological parent, but the process is not simple and will depend greatly on the judge’s interpretation of the child’s best interests.
Why Legal Help Matters After the Paternity Testing
Whether you’re trying to step up as a father or step away from a situation you never truly agreed to, the legal steps after testing are not easy or straightforward. You will be making decisions that impact your finances, future, and, most importantly, the life of the child in question. The situation is not something that can be taken lightly, and things can escalate quickly. Miss a deadline or file something incorrectly, and you will face major setbacks. A skilled family law lawyer can help you stay on track, speak up for your rights, and handle the legal details so you do not have to second-guess each step (and there can be many).
Paternity questions aren’t just about the DNA––they’re about people, families, and everyone’s futures. Once you have your results, it’s time to take the next steps with clear and decisive action built on a strong and thought-out legal plan that is prepared for alternate outcomes. Whether you want custody, to fight for support, or to challenge a case of mistaken paternity, a trusted legal team on your side will not just give you peace of mind, but also ensure fairness.
If you’re in Houston and facing questions about paternity, reach out to Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC, located at 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 1510, Houston, TX. Our experienced Texas family law attorneys know every in and out of paternity cases and conservatorship and are ready to represent you in court. Contact us for a confidential consultation today by calling 713-333-4430.
Attorney Kevin Hunter at Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC has experience with child custody, spousal support, high conflict divorce, and is fully equipped to guide you through the process. Learn more about Kevin on his profile here.
