Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

child suppport/new marriage

I am marrying a man who has a four year old son. He never married the mother and there is no formal custody/child support agreement. He does pay a monthly amount, school tuition, and insurance. After we're married, if he were to die, what would be my legal obligations to the child? Child support, etc?


Asked on 4/09/09, 9:11 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Matlock Robert J. Matlock, P.C.

Re: child suppport/new marriage

You have no obligation for the support of his son. If there is a court order for him to pay support, tuition, etc., then his estate will be obligated to pay any sums that become due after his death.

I suggest you contact a lawyer to draft wills and possibly a property agreement to protect your assets.

Read more
Answered on 4/10/09, 9:51 am
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Re: child suppport/new marriage

I recommend that the person with the obligation to pay child support purchase a term life insurance policy for the benefit of that minor child so that his obligation is fulfilled and it does not interfer with his new wife and other children.

I also recommend wills and estate planning since I often get phone calls from widows in shock that what they thought they would inherit becomes a total mess with the children from a prior marriage.

Read more
Answered on 4/10/09, 5:28 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Texas