Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
I have two children from an affair with a married woman. She has never legally divorced her ex -husband. She served me with child support papers. I attended hearing requesting DNA testing. Was told I couldnt not request testing because ex-husband was the presumed father and request had to come from him. AG picked up case and was served to court. I attend meeting DNA test was ordered and temporary child support/medical insurance was ordered. I've been paying child support but have not added children to insurance because mother would not provided me with childrens information. she is carrying insurance on them. DNA results have come in and children are mine. I was ordered back to court to finalized child support. I was told I have visitation right but have not had any contact with children. I have since moved from where mother and children reside. Mother has served me with paperwork seeking termination of my parental rights to children. Our hearing was today. Judge would not hear case because she is still legally married to ex-husband. I have not signed any paperwork. My question is what does terminate rights mean? Am I still responsible for child support/medical insurance? What does ex-husband have to do with this? Please advise. We live in Texas
1 Answer from Attorneys
Because your case involves money - child support - which is the most enforceable obligation there is in Texas - you should hire a lawyer. You do NOT want to get wrapped around the axle in this case.
I am not able to answer some of your questions because I haven't seen your paperwork. I am curious about the grounds that Mom has alleged for termination of your rights.
Mom being legally married to the ex-husband shouldn't make any difference in a termination suit.
Termination of your parental rights would mean that you are no longer the children's father. You would (legally) be a stranger to them. You would no longer have any ongoing child support obligation, although you would still owe any unpaid "back" child support that has accrued.
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