Child Custody Attorney Austin, TX 

As a child custody attorney from The Law Office of Ryan S. Dougay might tell you, under most circumstances, unwed fathers have a legal right to visit or have custody of their child. If you have been denied visitation or custody of your biological child, call our office today to request a free consultation with an Austin, TX child custody attorney from our firm. We can review your case and determine how we might be able to help you. Below is a general overview of your rights, but they will vary by circumstance and by your state of residency so we encourage you to consult an Austin, TX attorney.

Filing for Child Custody or Visitation

With the help of a child custody attorney from The Law Office of Ryan S. Dougay, you will need to file a petition with the court for custody and/or visitation with your child. As the unwed biological father of the child, you will likely have to prove your paternity. In part, this will be dependent on whether or not you are listed as the father on the child’s birth certificate. This is a legal process with which we can assist you. In your petition to the court, the following information may need to be included:

• A statement from you that you are the unwed father of the child and that it’s in the child’s best interest that the court grants you custody and/or visitation.
• Not all custody arrangements are the same. Your child custody attorney from The Law Office of Ryan S. Dougay can help you determine which type of arrangement you should seek. That may be primary custody and the child will live with you as their main residence. You may wish to obtain regularly scheduled visitation.
• You may need to petition the court to name you as the father of the child. Your child custody attorney in Austin, TX can advise you on whether or not this is necessary. Laws vary as to what constitutes the “presumed father.”

After Your Child Custody Attorney Files Your Child Custody or Visitation Petition

After your Austin, TX child custody attorney files your petition, the mother of your child will be notified. She will then have the chance to agree or disagree that you are the biological father. If she says you are not, your attorney can file a request with the court to require her to cooperate with a DNA test of the child. By comparing the DNA of the child with your DNA, a reasonable match can be entered into evidence in support of your case.

The Legal Process

One of the reasons why it’s advantageous to work with a child custody attorney is that he or she can guide you through the legal process which can be bewildering and frustrating. At The Law Office of Ryan S. Dougay, we will update you throughout the proceedings which can take several months to complete. We make every effort to accelerate this process as we understand the imperative nature of wishing to have substantial contact with one’s child as soon as possible. To learn more about how an experienced child custody attorney Austin, TX clients recommend from The Law Office of Ryan S. Dougay might be able to assist you, call us today to schedule a free consultation.