Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
I had a child via a one night stand. I did not notify the father until the child was 8 months old. The father has never provided financially or otherwise for the child save a few inexpensive gifts. The father says he is willing to be as involved in the child's life as I will allow, but I'm not sure I believe that. I do not want the father to have access to the child as he is a total stranger to me and the child; however, I would like the child to at least know the father exists (perhaps as a family friend). To my knowledge, the father does not have a criminal history but he does post nude photos of himself on the internet seeking anonymous sexual encounters. I realize this probably isn't enough to terminate his rights. How do I prevent having to turn my child over to a total stranger, but still allow the child to know the father in some capacity? It seems unfair that the father can come in at anytime and assert his right to visitation when he has not been around and has not provided for this child at all. My preference would be to terminate his rights or restrict his rights so that I control visitation and that any visits occur in my presence. I have adequate (though not endless) resources to provide for the child and do not require child support from the father.
Beyond his name, I only know the following about the father: currently unemployed, thought I believe he is sustaining himself on student loans, is a veteran and his two other children by two other women. I do not know his birthday, hometown, current street address - only the city he currently lives.
1 Answer from Attorneys
You need to meet with an experienced family law attorney in your county.
It is impossible to answer all the questions you have in this site.
This man needs to file a paternity action and show that he is interested in being the legal father of this child.
He needs to pay child support and show some responsibility.
You do not know this man.
Here is what you said about him..
He puts nude photos of himself on the internet.
He seeks sex with strangers.
He likes anonymous sex.
He likes one-night stands.
He is unemployed.
He has admitted at least 2 children by 2 different women.
You do not know where he lives.
You do not know much about him.
You do not know if he is a registered sex offender.
You do not know if he is has ever been to prison - he could be a a murder or a drug addict.
You do not know his birthdate.
You do not know his mental history.
You do not know his family.
You do not know what kind of people he associates with.
You do not know if he brings drug addicts into his home.
You do not know if he leaves drugs and/or weapon lying around his home.
Are you beginning to get scared?
Run...do not walk...to an experienced family law attorney's office immediately.
You do not understand Texas laws.
If he establishes his paternal rights, unless you can prove that he is dangerous, then he will have access to this child and you are not going to be able to "control" his rights or "visits" with this child. I don't know if this is a "door" that you ever want to open - even a crack!
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