Four Things to Know Before Signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) in Houston
Are you an unmarried man whose partner is about to or recently gave birth? You must establish paternity in order to have parental rights and parental responsibilities. As explained by the Texas Office of Attorney General, an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) is a “document that allows parents who aren’t married to establish legal paternity.” At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we know paternity law. Here, our Houston paternity lawyer highlights four things you should know before agreeing to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form in Texas.
- An AOP is the Most Straightforward Way for Unmarried Parents to Establish Paternity
An AOP can be a great option for unwed parents in Texas. Signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity is far and away the simplest method for unmarried parents in Houston to legally establish paternity. The form is a voluntary agreement that, once signed, identifies the biological father of the child on the birth certificate. Establishing paternity through an AOP provides the father with the rights and responsibilities toward the child—from the ability to seek custody to the duty to pay support.
- Both Parents (Mother and Father) Must Sign AOP to be Valid
For an Acknowledgment of Paternity to be legally valid in Texas, both the mother and the father must sign the document. Mutual agreement is essential. It confirms that both parties recognize the man as the biological father. Without the signatures of both parents, the AOP cannot be processed, and paternity will remain legally unestablished. It is best to sign an AOP at the same time as the other parent. Though, there is a process for it to be signed remotely.
- An Acknowledgment of Paternity is Legally Binding (Man Will Be Held to it)
Once an Acknowledgment of Paternity is signed and filed, it becomes a legally binding document. Not only is it legally binding, it is effective right away. Putative fathers need to understand the consequences of signing. The man acknowledged as the father is held accountable for all legal duties associated with fatherhood—including child support. If a valid AOP is signed by both parents, no other documentation is required for a man to be responsible for a child.
- An AOP Can Be Withdrawn Within 60 Days
In Texas, either parent has the right to rescind an Acknowledgment of Paternity within 60 days of signing the document. Though, there is an exception for cases in which an earlier court order related to the child—such as child support—entered based on the AOP. Though, given the timing, this exception is relatively rare. To withdraw an AOP in Houston, the party that wishes to so must submit a Rescission of Acknowledgement of Paternity (VS-158) form within 60 days of its filing.
Consult With Our Houston, TX Paternity Lawyer Today
At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., our Houston paternity attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any specific questions or concerns about a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. We handle paternity cases in Houston, Harris County, and across Southeast Texas.
Source:
texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/paternity/acknowledgment-paternity-aop
