There is a stereotype in both the legal system and our society that women are favored in child custody cases, largely because women have tended to receive sole custody of children more often than men throughout history. This is no longer the case, and courts are moving toward dividing parenting time equally in the event of a divorce. However, one can never quite be certain how a child custody hearing will play out because one or both parties almost always wants more time with their children.
While it is not common, it is also not unheard of for a woman to claim that her husband is not the father of a child in an attempt to limit or negate his custody rights. In this instance, the father would have very little chance of receiving any kind of custody or visitation rights unless he can prove that he is the child’s father, which can be accomplished with a paternity suit.
A paternity suit is a legal motion in which courts take blood samples from both parents in order to conduct a DNA test that firmly establishes paternity of a child. This can allow fathers to cement their role in their child’s life and ensure that they receive the custody agreement they deserve.
As with most legal issues, the laws surrounding paternity suits can vary by state, so it is important to gain an understanding of the specific Texas laws regarding paternity suits. Even once paternity is established, however, there is still a chance that you may not receive as much time with your child as you would like. In order to make the strongest case possible for your custodial rights, it is recommended that you enlist the aid of an attorney.