Paternity
Custody and Support for Unmarried ParentsParents who were never married retain all the rights under Texas law as parents who were married and divorced. The Law Office of Donald E. Robinowitz represents both men and women in paternity actions, child support orders, and contested custody cases. Free Initial Consultation: 713-622-6676Contact a family law attorney with 17 years of experience. Based in Houston, Texas, I have handled paternity cases in Harris County and all contiguous counties. I help clients fully prepare for their day in court, or represent parents in mediation or negotiation to produce a mutual out-of-court agreement. Representing MothersTo get court-ordered child support, it may be necessary to prove the father's parentage through a DNA test. If he denies he's the father, I will file paternity actions to compel the father to submit to testing, and then to pay support. I also represent women who believe that the father should not be allowed unsupervised visits because of prior domestic violence or child abuse, preparing a strong case for the family law judge. Representing FathersThe majority of dads I represent want to be involved in their child's life. If parentage is disputed, we can take legal action to prove you are the father. Conversely, if you have been served with a false paternity suit (perhaps you already have a family), we can arrange a discreet DNA test to determine if you are the baby's father. If you've broken up with the mother of your child (or unborn child), it pays to be proactive. You could later be ordered to pay prenatal and postnatal expenses, as well as back child support. By acting now, your lawyer can establish your parental rights and a record of responsible support. Most courts will give the mother the benefit of the doubt if she does not welcome your involvement. Perhaps you didn't know each other well. The court may grant "stair step" custody or visitation (see Custody and Support), with limited or supervised visits at first. Eventually, you will be allowed longer, unsupervised visitation, and may petition for Extended Standard Possession (e.g., a 58 percent/42 percent split of parenting time), or Standard Possession, with custody on holidays or summers. Preparing My Clients: The "Attitude Adjustment"Historically, courts automatically favored the mother in custody and paternity issues. Today's judges (in general) believe that children are best served when both parents are actively involved. In any given case anything can happen, including granting of primary conservatorship to the father. All parties, whether a mother or father, must be prepared, persistent, patient and attentive. From my extensive experience, I understand how judges work. Regardless of how strong your legal position is, it is critical not to have a negative attitude in court. Badmouthing the other parent, smirking, or any hint that you are alienating your child against their other parent can destroy your case. I counsel clients on how to handle themselves in court —what to say, what not to say, even how to dress — to improve your chances of getting the desired result. Free Consultation: 713-622-6676Contact the Law Office of Donald E. Robinowitz today to discuss your case directly with me. You can call us 24 hours a day, with on-staff translation in Spanish, and services available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Hebrew, and other languages. After-hours and early morning appointments and flexible payment plans are available. Se Habla Español |
