Bexar Texas Order Adjudicating Parentage refers to a legal process in Bexar County, Texas, where the court determines and establishes the legal parent-child relationship between a child and their biological or adoptive parents. This court order is crucial in establishing parental rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation, and child support. There are several types of Bexar Texas Orders Adjudicating Parentage, depending on the circumstances: 1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity: This type of order is used when both parents agree and voluntarily acknowledge the biological father's paternity. It can be signed at the time of the child's birth or later, and it establishes legal parentage without the need for court intervention. 2. Genetic Testing: If there is a dispute regarding paternity, the court may order genetic testing to determine the biological father. Genetic testing involves collecting DNA samples from the child, mother, and alleged father to determine the likelihood of paternity. 3. Petition to Adjudicate Parentage: When the biological parents are not in agreement regarding paternity, either parent can file a Petition to Adjudicate Parentage. This initiates the court process where evidence is presented, witnesses may testify, and the court ultimately determines the child's legal parents. 4. Parentage by Estoppel: In certain cases, a person who is not the biological parent but has acted as a child's parent, providing financial and emotional support, may seek a court order adjudicating parentage based on the doctrine of parentage by estoppel. This order recognizes the non-biological parent as the legal parent with rights and responsibilities. 5. Adoption: In cases where a child is being adopted, the court issues an Order Adjudicating Parentage to legally establish the adoptive parents as the child's legal parents. This order terminates the rights and responsibilities of the biological parents and grants all legal rights to the adoptive parents. The Bexar Texas Order Adjudicating Parentage plays a critical role in establishing legal rights and responsibilities between parents and children. It ensures that children have access to the financial support, healthcare, and emotional care they deserve while protecting their parents' rights to be involved in their lives. If there are any disputes regarding parentage, it is advisable to consult with a family law attorney to navigate the legal process and protect the best interests of the child.