Mistaken Paternity In Texas
The process is detailed in the Texas Family Code, Chapter 161, specifically in Section 161.005, “Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship”.
It outlines the conditions that must be met for a man to file a petition for the termination of his parental rights and duties.
The main conditions include:
- The man must have signed an acknowledgment of paternity or a similar document, or failed to contest paternity because he believed he was the biological father due to fraudulent information.
- The man has not adopted the child.
- The man has not prevented the biological father from asserting his rights to the child.
- The man must file the petition not later than the first anniversary of the date on which he becomes aware that he is not the child’s genetic father.
Additionally, the man must provide a DNA test proving he is not the biological father.
If the court finds that the requirements are met, it may order the termination of the parent-child relationship and the removal of the man’s name from the child’s birth certificate.
Please note that these are general rules and individual cases may vary. Also, laws often change and can vary between different jurisdictions.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional in Texas or check the most recent version of the Texas Family Code.
What is Paternity Genetic Testing?
Paternity genetic testing is used to establish a biological father-child relationship.
The process is based on the fact that we inherit half of our DNA from our mother and the other half from our father.
There are several different types of paternity tests:
Standard Paternity Test
This is the most common type of paternity test. It requires samples from the alleged father and child. The mother’s DNA is not required but can improve the accuracy of the test.
Prenatal Paternity Test
These tests can be performed during pregnancy, either through a non-invasive blood test, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis.
These procedures can potentially pose some risk to the fetus and should be discussed with a medical professional.
Post-Mortem Paternity Test
In some cases, a paternity test may need to be conducted after the alleged father has passed away.
This can be done by testing biological material that has been preserved, such as stored blood samples or tissue samples, or by testing close biological relatives.
Sibling DNA Test
If the alleged father is unavailable for testing, siblings can be tested to establish whether they share the same father.
A typical paternity test involves collecting DNA samples using a cheek swab, which is painless and only takes a few seconds.
These samples are then sent to a lab where the DNA is extracted and analyzed.
Scientists examine specific locations (markers) on the DNA.
The more markers that match between the child and the potential father, the higher the probability that the man is indeed the biological father.
The test can provide a probability of paternity that is 99.99% accurate or more if the man tested is the biological father.
Please remember to use such tests responsibly, understanding their legal and emotional implications. Always consult with a paternity attorney to ensure the ethical use of genetic testing.
Petition For Mistaken Paternity Texas
in Texas, a man who wants to disestablish paternity due to a belief of mistaken paternity must file a petition in court. The following steps are typically involved:
Understand the Conditions
Before filing the petition, ensure you meet the criteria outlined in Section 161.005. Key conditions include not having adopted the child, not having knowingly impeded the biological father’s claims to paternity, and having a DNA test confirming you’re not the biological father.
Get Legal Counsel
It’s recommended that you consult with a family law attorney to help you understand your rights and obligations, as well as guide you through the legal process.
Prepare the Petition
You, or your attorney, will need to draft a petition explaining your case.
This will include your sworn statement asserting that you meet the conditions for filing under mistaken paternity, and you should attach the DNA test results to the petition.
File the Petition
The petition is filed in the court of the county where the child resides. You’ll likely need to pay a filing fee, which can vary by county.
Serve the Petition
Once filed, copies of the petition will need to be served to all other involved parties (like the child’s mother or legal guardian).
Attend the Hearing
After the petition is served, a hearing date will be set. You must attend this hearing, where a judge will hear the case and make a determination.
To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult with a legal professional in Texas.
