Blogs

A Legal Guide for Texas Dads This Father’s Day

By: De Ford Law Firm | Published 06/09/2025

The Legal Landscape: Father’s Rights in Texas

Under Texas law, both mothers and fathers have equal rights and responsibilities toward their children. However, the reality is that many fathers feel sidelined—either due to outdated assumptions, lack of information, or systemic inertia.

Texas courts are required to act in the best interest of the child, and they increasingly recognize the importance of a child maintaining strong relationships with both parents. Still, to ensure those rights are respected, fathers must often take proactive legal steps.

Establishing Paternity: The Foundation of Legal Fatherhood

For married couples, paternity is automatically assumed if the child is born during the marriage. But for unmarried fathers, legal rights don’t materialize until paternity is established.

How to Establish Paternity in Texas:
1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)
2. Court-Ordered DNA Testing
3. Petition to Adjudicate Parentage

Custody & Visitation: Fighting for Fairness

In Texas, the term ‘custody’ is replaced by conservatorship, divided into Joint Managing Conservatorship and Sole Managing Conservatorship.

Texas law provides a Standard Possession Order, but fathers can negotiate custom parenting plans that suit their needs and involvement.

Modifying Custody or Support Orders

Texas law allows for modification when there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This can include income changes, relocation, or the child’s evolving needs.

Child Support: Fairness and Responsibility

Texas calculates child support based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income. We assist fathers in ensuring support obligations reflect their actual income and parenting time.

Dispelling Myths About Dads and Family Law

Myth #1: Mothers always get custody – False. Texas law favors the best interest of the child.
Myth #2: Orders can’t be changed – False. Orders can be modified with justification.
Myth #3: Courts prefer stay-at-home parents – False. Courts value involvement and capability.

Fathers & Estate Planning: Protecting Your Legacy

Every father should consider Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, and Guardianship Designations, particularly in blended families or those with unique medical needs.

How De Ford Law Firm Supports Fathers

We provide services including Custody and Visitation Advocacy, Paternity Establishment, Child Support Enforcement, Estate Planning, and more—always with a family-focused, compassionate approach.

A Father’s Day Message from Our Team

Whether you’re caring for your child day-to-day or navigating a legal battle to see them more, your role is invaluable. This Father’s Day, we honor you and offer our support.