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Secure Your Legal Rights: Paternity And Parentage Actions in North Texas

Last updated on July 14, 2026

When your child is born, your life changes forever. If you are an unmarried father, however, your love for your child does not automatically give you legal rights. That is where we step in. We are family law attorneys Juliana Johnson and Jacqueline McNutt, and at MJ Law, PLLC, we believe that parenting roles should be balanced. Men have just as many rights as mothers. With over 20 years of combined legal experience and a trial-tested approach, we fight to ensure you play an active role in your child’s life. If you need a paternity lawyer who values your place as a dad, we are ready to guide you through the process across Tarrant, Parker, Hood and Johnson counties.

Establishing Paternity And Parentage Action In Texas

You can establish paternity in two main ways. Parents can sign a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital or later at a vital statistics office. If the mother refuses to sign, we can file a paternity lawsuit to get a court order, which usually requires a DNA swab.

Taking action before the baby is born is critical to preventing future access difficulties once the child arrives. Waiting longer can lead to a total loss of your parental rights or leave you facing heavy liabilities for back child support.

How We Assist You As Parentage Action Attorneys

In these cases, we work closely with biological fathers to establish a secure parent-child relationship. When you work with us, our team handles the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on being a dad.

We can protect your rights and future through the following actions:

  • We explain child support obligations clearly from the very start.
  • We file the necessary court documents to launch a formal parentage action.
  • We manage the process for court-ordered DNA testing to confirm biological ties.
  • We fight for fair conservatorship and visitation schedules.
  • We handle cases involving a presumed father when another man is mistakenly listed on the birth certificate.
  • We assist in terminating your legal responsibilities if DNA testing for paternity proves the child is not biologically yours.

We prepare our clients thoroughly for the courtroom environment so they can feel confident at every hearing. We protect a father’s rights while keeping the child’s best interests at the center of our strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity

Here, we have provided some answers to questions we commonly hear from paternity case clients to help you understand your case.

Can a father get custody after establishing paternity?

Yes. Once you establish legal fatherhood, you can pursue child custody and paternity rights, including primary custody or overnight visitation. The court evaluates what is best for the child, giving you a fair shot at a balanced schedule.

How long do I have to challenge paternity?

If a child has a presumed father, you generally have four years from the child’s birth to challenge the status in court. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from establishing your rights or end your chance to contest support duties.

Act Now To Protect Your Bond With Your Child

Do not wait until you are locked out of your child’s life to seek legal help. Contact us today at 817-357-5970 or email us to discuss your situation. We offer free consultations of 30 minutes each.