Paternity Lawyer in Arlington

Experience Matters in Determining the Best Outcome for You and Your Child

1. A suit affecting the parent-child relationship to determine parentage may be brought before the birth of the child, but must be brought on or before the second anniversary of the date the child becomes an adult, or the suit is barred.
2. This section applies to a child for whom a parentage suit was brought but dismissed because a statute of limitations of less than 18 years was then in effect.

Parentage cases can involve questions about rights to custody, possession, and access, as well as financial support and medical decision-making for the child. A paternity attorney Arlington families trust can explain how these issues typically play out in Texas courts and help you understand how the law may apply to your situation. Because each family’s circumstances are different, it is important to review your specific facts with a lawyer who can evaluate deadlines, prior orders, genetic testing questions, and any related child support concerns under Texas law.

Have questions about your rights or your child’s future? Speak with a paternity lawyer in Arlington today. Call (817) 587-6452 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Understanding Paternity Cases in Arlington Courts

Many parents want to know what to expect once a paternity case is filed in the local courts. In Arlington, these matters are generally heard in the Tarrant County family courts, and the process usually begins with a petition, service on the other party, and, when needed, an order for genetic testing. We can help you understand how issues like temporary orders, mediation, and final hearings may fit into the broader timeline so you are not surprised by the steps involved. Knowing the general process can make it easier to decide when to file and how to prepare.

Genetic testing is often a key part of a paternity case, and parents are frequently unsure about when tests are ordered, who pays for them, and how results are used. We can walk you through how courts typically handle testing, what to expect at the testing appointment, and how the laboratory results are submitted to the judge. This guidance allows you to make informed choices about whether to agree to testing, how to respond to requests from the other party, and how to address any concerns about the accuracy of the results.

Once paternity is established, the court can address important issues such as conservatorship (legal rights and duties), possession schedules, and child support. We can help you gather documents, such as income information and proposed parenting time schedules, so you are ready to present your position clearly to the court. By understanding how judges in the local Tarrant County courts tend to analyze best interest factors, you can better evaluate settlement options and decide whether to resolve your case through agreement or proceed to a contested hearing.

If the father is found to be the biological father, can support be retroactive?

On a finding of parentage, the Court may order support retroactive to the time of the birth of the child and, on a proper showing, may order a party to pay an equitable portion of all prenatal and postnatal health care expenses of the mother and child. In making an order for retroactive child support under this section, the Court shall use the child support guidelines provided by Chapter 154 (Child Support) together with any other relevant factors.

Retroactive support can significantly affect both the person ordered to pay and the parent receiving support, especially if several years have passed since the child’s birth. Courts in Tarrant County, including those serving Arlington residents, will typically look at factors such as the paying parent’s knowledge of the child, prior voluntary support, and current financial ability before deciding how far back to go. We can review your financial history, any informal support that has already been provided, and potential documentation to help you prepare for how a judge may approach retroactive child support in your case.

What is the cost for a paternity suit?

A minimum retainer of $1,750.00 is required before a suit is filed.

Legal fees in a paternity case can vary depending on whether the matter is agreed, whether genetic testing is disputed, and whether hearings or a trial are required. During an initial consultation with a paternity lawyer in Arlington, we can discuss the likely steps in your case, potential court appearances at local family courts, and any additional costs such as filing fees or expert witnesses. Our goal is to be transparent about anticipated expenses so that you can plan ahead and make informed decisions about how to move forward.

For more information or to schedule an initial consultation with one of our Arlington paternity attorneys, contact us online or call our office at (817) 587-6452.   We are conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth, off of I-30 at the intersection of Cooper and Abram, near the University of Texas at Arlington.