Fighting False Accusations of Paternity in Texas

 Posted on June 09, 2025 in Family Law

For high-earning men in Texas, a false or mistaken claim of paternity is more than a personal headache. It can have serious financial and reputational consequences. A child support order, once entered, can be difficult to undo, even if DNA later proves you are not the father. As of June 2025, Texas law continues to allow men to challenge mistaken paternity, but the window for doing so is limited, and the process requires careful legal steps.

If you have been named in a paternity case and believe the claim is false or made in bad faith, do not wait. A strategic and discreet response with the help of a San Antonio, TX paternity lawyer can protect your money, your name, and your future.

Can You Be Ordered to Pay Child Support Without DNA Proof?

Yes. In Texas, a man can be presumed the legal father under several circumstances, including if he was married to the mother when the child was born, signed an acknowledgment of paternity, or failed to respond to a paternity petition in time. In many of these cases, the court may order child support even without genetic testing.

Once a legal parent-child relationship is established, reversing it is difficult. Even if later testing shows you are not biologically related, the court may still require you to pay support if it determines doing so is in the child’s best interest.

How Do You Fight a False Paternity Claim?

Texas law allows a man who believes he is not the biological father to file a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship under Texas Family Code § 161.005. To succeed, you must:

• Obtain a court-ordered DNA test

• Prove that you are not the biological parent

• Do this within a limited period, which changes depending on the circumstances

If these steps are followed correctly, the court may terminate legal paternity and child support obligations. However, delays, missed deadlines, or informal agreements can jeopardize your case. That is why a good lawyer is essential.

What High-Income Men Should Know About False Claims of Paternity

For men with substantial income, false paternity claims can be weaponized. A child support order in Texas is based on a percentage of your net monthly resources, which can add up quickly, especially if back support is awarded.

If you are concerned about your public image or financial exposure, your attorney can help you pursue legal action discreetly. Paternity cases can sometimes be sealed or kept at a low profile, especially if both parties comply with court procedures and avoid unnecessary escalation.

You should also be cautious about signing anything, including acknowledgment forms, birth certificates, or informal agreements, without legal advice. These documents may be used as evidence of legal paternity, even if you have doubts about biological parentage.

Can You Sue Someone for Falsely Naming You as a Father?

Texas does not currently allow a civil lawsuit simply for naming someone as a father in a paternity case unless there is evidence of fraud, malicious prosecution, or abuse of the legal process. Even then, the bar for proving damages is high.

If you believe the claim was made maliciously or to embarrass you, talk to your attorney about your options. The most important step is to clear your name through the court process and avoid creating a paper trail that could hurt you later.

What Steps Should You Take if Someone Falsely Claims You Fathered a Child?

If you receive notice of a paternity case or suspect you are being named informally, take the following actions:

• Do not communicate directly with the mother about the case

• Contact a lawyer experienced in both paternity and high-net-worth asset protection

• Keep any text messages, emails, or social media content that may support your defense

• Act quickly to avoid default or waiver of your rights

In Bexar County and throughout Texas, family law judges expect alleged fathers to take prompt action if they wish to contest paternity. Delaying your response may be interpreted as acceptance of the role and the obligation.

Contact a San Antonio, TX Paternity Defense Lawyer

False paternity claims require a serious, smart, and strategic response. Whether you want to keep the matter private or fight back publicly, our firm can help. Contact a Bexar County, TX paternity attorney at Brandon Wong & Associates by calling 210-201-3832 to protect your rights, your finances, and your future.