Texas community resource
Paternity Order Self-Help Toolkit
TexasLawHelp.org
Free forms and instructions for asking a Texas court to identify a child's legal father and enter related family orders.
Information last checked:
How to get help
Review whether an Acknowledgment of Paternity or an Attorney General child-support case is a better route; if a court case is appropriate, identify all required parties, select the agreed or default instructions, file the petition, obtain signatures or service, address any testing and support information, prepare the proposed order, and complete the court hearing.
Who this service helps
For a person seeking a Texas paternity order when legal parentage has not already been resolved. The correct parties, presumed or alleged fathers, genetic-testing needs, jurisdiction, and availability of agreed or default forms depend on the child's and parents' facts.
Where this service is available
Service area: People handling eligible Texas legal matters, including residents and court users in Central Texas.
A service area describes where help is offered or who may be served. It is not necessarily the organization’s physical location.
Cost / fees
The guide and forms are free. Court filing, issuance, service, genetic testing, records, certified copies, child-support account setup, and legal-assistance costs may apply; eligible filers may request a fee waiver.
About this service
The guide explains court-ordered paternity and possible custody, visitation, child-support, medical-support, and dental-support provisions. It covers agreed and default processes and identifies voluntary acknowledgment and the Office of the Attorney General as alternative routes in appropriate cases.
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