Mistaken Paternity Law in Dallas, Texas: When Child Support No Longer Needs to be Paid

In September 2011, Texas passed a law allowing courts to terminate child support obligations of the father in cases of mistaken paternity. Certain legal requirements must be met in order to file a petition with the court for genetic testing. It is wise to get in touch with a Dallas child support attorney if you have doubts about the paternity of your child.

Starting September 1 2012, the petition to terminate parental rights may be filed no later than a year to the date the man first learned he was not the child’s biological father. Court-ordered genetic testing will be used to determine whether the man is responsible for future child support payments.

If testing reveals no biological connection between father and child, past child support obligations will still be in effect, including any interest that has accrued. The man may also need to prove that he did not know that he was not the biological father when he signed the Acknowledgment of Paternity. Although this process will effectively end the legal relationship, a request for continued contact with the child may be made if denying this would not be in the best interests of the child.

Help from a Dallas, Texas Child Support Lawyer

Serving Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and surrounding Texas counties, the law offices of Warren & Migliaccio practice all aspects of family law. The firm will provide tough and thorough legal counselling and work with each client to achieve their individual goals. For a free consultation, call 1-888-584-9614 today.