This toolkit tells you how to ask for a paternity order. A paternity order says who is (and sometimes who is not) a child’s legal father. A paternity order can include orders for custody, visitation, child support, medical support, and dental support (although it doesn’t have to). FORMS ARE INCLUDED.

NOTE: Paternity cases can be complicated. It may be better to open a case with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) or hire a private lawyer, rather than file a paternity case yourself. For information about opening a case with the OAG, call 800-252-8014 or go to the OAG’s website: Texas Attorney General Child Support Division.

This toolkit includes:

• Instructions & Forms you can use to file a paternity case.
  • Use the first set of instructions if everyone agrees.
  • Use the second set of instructions if you don’t think the child’s other parent will participate in the process.
• Frequently Asked Questions about filing a paternity case.
• Articles on topics related to paternity, custody, visitation, child support, medical support, and dental support.

Other Options:

• Establish Paternity by Acknowledgment - Paternity can be established without going to court if both parents sign a legal form called an “Acknowledgment of Paternity.” It’s important to remember that an Acknowledgment of Paternity only establishes paternity and can only be completed if your child was born in Texas. If your child was born outside of Texas, or if you want a judge to make custody, visitation, child support, medical support, and dental support orders, you must file a paternity case or open a case with the OAG. Learn more here: Acknowledgment of Paternity & Denial of Paternity
• Get help from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) - Although the OAG cannot represent you, the OAG may be able to help you get a paternity order. The paternity order can include orders for custody, visitation, current and back child support, medical support, and dental support. For information about opening a case with the OAG, call (800) 255-8014 or go to their website: Texas Attorney General Child Support Division.

Need Help?

• Use our Legal Help Finder to search for a lawyer referral service, legal aid office or self-help center in your area.
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• Use Ask a Question to chat online with a lawyer or law student.

WARNING! The information and forms in this toolkit are not legal advice and are not a substitute for the help of a lawyer. It’s a good idea to talk with a lawyer about your particular situation.