Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Child support

My son received papers to appear in court this month for child support. He is not sure that the child is his, he is a full time college student and works part time. The girl said that if he signed his rights over, she would drop the child support.... he is afraid that she could come after him for support later anyway. I told him to take a paternity test (he can not afford), but he wants to sign over his rights. What are his options and ramifications (sp) of any of this?

We live in Texas


Asked on 6/02/08, 1:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Child support

He cannot just "sign over his rights" without obtaining an order signed by a judge. If he does not take the paternity test, he will be found to be the father for failure to do so and it could last the rest of his life whether or not he is the father. Can't afford it? It's much, much, much cheaper than 18 years of child support.

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Answered on 6/02/08, 1:54 pm
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Child support

I agree with all of Mr. Grissom's comments, and want to add that if the AG is involved in the case, sometimes in our counties, the judge will order that the AG foot the bill on the paternity test. It's worth asking. If they don't, then it is still much cheaper than the child support.

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Answered on 6/02/08, 10:46 pm


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