When trying to collect child support in Texas, unmarried couples will need to establish paternity first. If you’re trying to collect payments from an ex-partner, it’s best to discuss your situation with a Texas family law lawyer to see exactly what needs to be done.
When you request information, lawyers will assist you in legally establishing paternity. When children are born to wedded parents, paternity is automatically determined. However, for couples who were unwed, you’ll be unable to collect child support through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) without first establishing a legal connection between the father and the child.
Unmarried parents can establish paternity with the OAG by obtaining and signing a specific legal document referred to as an Acknowledgment of Paternity. Most parents sign the form at the local child support office. Or, they acquire a court order, generally with the assistance of an attorney in family court.
Even if the father is already paying child support, paternity will still have to be established. This standard is to protect the child’s best interests in the event that the father changes his decision to willingly provide support, or in cases where he becomes disabled or otherwise unable to continue payments.
If you need specific information, lawyers experienced with child support in Texas are the best resources to use. Consult with a Texas family law lawyer before moving forward with child support proceedings to make sure you have a grasp on the basics of how child support works in Texas.
Contacting a Texas Family Law Lawyer
The attorneys at Warren & Migliaccio have years of experience, and we’ll use that training to provide you peace of mind for the future, whatever the circumstances for your divorce or family law situation. From the initial consultation until the day your divorce is finalized, our Texas family lawyer team at Warren & Migliaccio is here to advocate on behalf of you and your children. Contact our Dallas law firm today at 1-888-584-9614.
