The Brownsville Texas Affidavit to Establish Paternity is a legal document used to formally acknowledge the biological father of a child. This affidavit serves as evidence to establish the legal rights and responsibilities of the father, including child support, visitation, and custody. Paternity establishment is crucial for ensuring the child's well-being and for parental rights. There are several types of Brownsville Texas Affidavit to Establish Paternity, each serving different purposes: 1. Voluntary Paternity Affidavit: This is the most common type of affidavit where both parents willingly admit and affirm the identity of the child's biological father. This affidavit is typically signed at the hospital when the child is born, but it can also be completed at a later date. 2. Administrative Paternity Order: If both parents are unable to agree on paternity voluntarily, either parent may request the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General (TAG) to establish paternity. The TAG may conduct hearings, collect DNA samples, and take legal action to establish paternity. 3. Adversarial Paternity Suit: In cases where the mother or alleged father disputes the biological fatherhood, one of them may file a paternity suit in court. The court will then review evidence such as DNA tests, statements, and other relevant information to determine the child's paternity. 4. Default Paternity Order: If the alleged father fails to respond to a paternity suit, the court may enter a default paternity order, indicating him as the legal father unless further evidence proves otherwise. 5. Rescission Period: After signing a voluntary paternity affidavit, the parties involved have a specific window of time (usually 60 days) to rescind or challenge their decision without legal consequences. After this period, the affidavit becomes legally binding. Establishing paternity not only confirms the identity of the biological father, it also provides the child with emotional and financial support. It grants the father the right to participate in important decisions regarding the child's well-being, education, healthcare, and custody arrangements. The Brownsville Texas Affidavit to Establish Paternity is a crucial document that ensures the child's best interests are upheld by validating their legal parentage.