Paternity

Paternity Attorney in Galveston County

Exclusive Family Law Focus Since 2014. Handling Every Step From Establishment to Custody & Support.

In Texas, an unmarried father has no automatic legal rights to his child until paternity is formally established, even if his name appears on the birth certificate. For mothers, an informal acknowledgment doesn’t produce an enforceable support order. Legal paternity is the starting point for everything that follows: custody, visitation, child support, and a child’s access to benefits and inheritance rights.

Richmond Law Firm handles paternity matters across Galveston County, including voluntary acknowledgment cases, contested parentage disputes, and court-ordered paternity actions. We also handle the full range of legal matters that follow a paternity determination, so you won’t need a different attorney once legal fatherhood is confirmed.

If you’re dealing with a paternity matter in Galveston County, our team is ready to help. Call (281) 992-1600 to schedule a consultation.

Why Clients in Galveston County Choose Richmond Law Firm

Lacey Richmond has practiced exclusively family law since earning her Texas bar license in 2014, and she spent four years as a family law paralegal before that. Paternity cases carry real emotional weight, and Lacey’s approach reflects that. Clients consistently describe her as down-to-earth and easy to communicate with, qualities that matter when the stakes involve your child.

Her own co-parenting experience gives her a perspective on custody and support that goes beyond legal mechanics. She understands what these orders mean in day-to-day life, and that understanding shapes how we advise clients before decisions are made. Lacey’s work has earned a SuperLawyers Rising Stars recognition, and our focus stays on resolving cases efficiently while advocating clearly for what our clients need.

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    “Amazing, Caring Job”
    “Lacey did an amazing, caring job handling my daughter’s divorce from an abusive husband. Somehow, she helped my daughter have hope and get her power back after years of abuse. I’m so thankful for the GREAT professional she is!”
    - Kathy W.
    “Comfortable and Safe”
    “Ms. Lacey and her team have been solid. I feel comfortable and safe in a court room with Ms Lacey in my corner and will continue to use her services in the future.”
    - Jimmy
    “Very Professional and Helpful”
    “Very professional and helpful. I will personally recommend this firm to anyone who needs legal help in the future. Keep up the great work!”
    - Christopher C.
    “Beyond Grateful”
    “Lacey is a class act. The other side was out for blood. My ex is an attorney, and they tried all the dirty tricks in the book. I feel very strongly that if I went with another attorney my outcome would have been substantially different.”
    - Trey C.
    “Couldn't Ask for More”
    “Lacey is amazing to work with! She handled our custody modification and we couldn't have asked for a better outcome!”
    - Jenn D.
    “Couldn't Have Asked for Better”
    “This was my first (and last) divorce, but I couldn't have asked for better representation. Ms. Richmond and her team kept me abreast of everything going on and answered my emails the same day.”
    - Former Client
    “Can't Thank Her Enough”
    “Lacey is EXCELLENT & made me feel so comfortable and confident about the whole case! She worked so hard to get my child back; I can’t thank her enough for bringing my pride and joy back home!”
    - Vicky V.
    “Highly Recommend”
    “I have used Lacey twice now. She is amazing! Has helped me every step of the way with both cases. Communication is excellent and she responds quickly to all my questions and concerns. Always gives updates as she gets them.”
    - Emma B.

    What Happens After Paternity Is Established

    A paternity order opens the door to legal determinations that shape family life for years. Texas refers to child custody as conservatorship. After paternity is confirmed, either parent may petition the court for joint managing conservatorship or sole managing conservatorship. A possession and access order then sets the schedule for when each parent spends time with the child, including standard possession schedules and holiday provisions.

    Child support in Texas is calculated based on a percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly resources and the number of children covered. These figures aren’t permanent. Either parent may return to court to request a modification when a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred: a shift in income, a relocation, or a change in a child’s needs. We handle custody and support matters that follow paternity establishment, and we assist with post-order modifications when life changes require it.

    Talk to a Paternity Attorney in Galveston County

    Paternity cases move quickly once they’re in motion, and the decisions made early can affect custody, support, and your relationship with your child for years. Our team at Richmond Law Firm is approachable, responsive, and ready to walk you through your options clearly before you commit to a course of action.

    We serve clients throughout Galveston County. Call (281) 992-1600 or use our online scheduling link to set up a consultation today.
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    Family Law Made Easier Guiding Families Through Life's Toughest Moments

    Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (281) 992-1600 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.