What Are the Adoption Rights of Unmarried Fathers in Texas

Unmarried fathers in Texas

For unmarried fathers in Texas, it is really important to establish paternity as early as possible. This ensures that you have the right to make decisions that are in your child's best interests. If you do not do this, then you may find that you have no say in how or where your child is raised.

When an unmarried couple has a baby, Texas law does not make an assumption regarding who the father might be. This means that in a legal sense the child does not have a father. Furthermore, the mother has all of the power to make decisions.  The father has no right to make decisions about the care that the child receives.

You Must Take Action to Obtain Rights as an Unmarried Father

Most fathers prefer to take an active role in their child's life. Because unmarried fathers in Texas do not automatically have rights over their child, they must take action to obtain these rights. Once you have been legally recognized as a child's father, you may participate in raising your child.  Moreover,  that includes having regular visitation.

Many unmarried fathers have wondered about adoption rights. Adoption may be an option in your situation, especially if the child's biological mother is considering giving up her rights. However, adoption can be a complicated and expensive process. There may be other ways to have the state of Texas legally acknowledge you as the father of your child without having to adopt your child.

adoption rights

For instance, you can likely get the court to order a DNA test that will prove that you are the child's biological father. With this established, you take on all of the rights and responsibilities of fatherhood. This includes the right to object if someone else, such as your ex-girlfriend's new husband, tries to adopt your child. Your adoption rights as a legal father mean that you can object to another man trying to adopt your child.

Establish Paternity of Your Child

It may be helpful seek legal assistance to establish paternity of your child. It may be possible to do this even before your child is born, so it is never too early to start planning, especially if you think that the child's mother may fight you.  For the assistance, you need call or text today.

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