Texas Military Paternity Suits

A paternity suit establishes the legal father of a child. There are a number of reasons why establishing paternity is important for a child and our attorneys at Graham Family Law, can assist with the legal actions necessary to resolve your situation.

WAYS TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY

Paternity can be established through presumption: Childbirth during marriage or voluntary assertion of being the father, being named as the father on the birth certificate or promising to support the child as his own. Paternity can be established by signing an affidavit stating acknowledgement of being the father. Paternity can also be established through DNA testing and court order.

REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING PATERNITY

One of the most common reasons for establishing paternity is to obtain financial support in raising a child. Either parent can file a paternity suit. Establishing paternity is generally the first legal step required in seeking child support, joint custody or visitation. However, other advantages also exist:

• Health history. Family medical history is often valuable in diagnosing genetically inherited health conditions. Genetic factors may also be relevant in determining the best way to treat conditions such as in cases where other family members may be donors for a transplant, etc.
• Parental relationships. Studies show that children fare best in life when they have contact with both parents. Parental relationships also allow them to foster relationships with other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
• Identity. Children gain a greater sense of identity when they know who their father is. Along with the sense of identity, many children feel more grounded and secure. They also have the opportunity to find out about their cultural heritage.
• Benefits. From a legal perspective, establishing paternity entitles a child to receive benefits through their fathers such as Social Security benefits, military family benefits, veteran benefits and rights to inheritance.

MILITARY PATERNITY ISSUES

An illegitimate child born to a male servicemember can be considered a military dependent but is not automatically entitled to military benefits. Legal paternity must be established first. In contrast, an illegitimate child born to a female servicemember is entitled to benefits.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED SAN ANTONIO PATERNITY SUIT LAWYER

Whether you need an experienced negotiator to work on a settlement or a zealous litigator to represent you in court, our team is an excellent choice.

Please schedule a confidential consultation with Ms. Graham by calling us at 210-308-6448.

Peace of mind comes from knowing you have a competent attorney who is always acting in your best interest — Graham Family Law.