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. 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.
• Check our Legal Clinic Calendar for free legal clinics in your area.
• 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.