Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Deadbeat dad shouldn't get to see his child
8 years ago, I had a baby. The father, who encouraged me not to have the child, left after he found out I was pregnant. He has never paid child support, or chose to visit his child despite my attempts to stay in touch. I would like to get child support after all this time, but am worried about him getting visitation since he has declined the relationship up until now. I believe him to be of questionable morals, and can possibly prove this (he dated someone who he knew was married; has been fired for discrimination, etc.) What kind of visitation schedule would he likely get? ( I live in the DFW metroplex, and believe he does too.)
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Deadbeat dad shouldn't get to see his child
It is difficult to say what visitation, if any, he would get. Our law does state that visitation is not dependent upon child support, and vice versa. As a practical matter, I think he would have to convince a judge that he really wanted to step in as a dad. Our courts are very sensitive to the child in these situations. My best guess is that if the court required visitation, that visitation would be infrequent, brief, and supervised. If everything went well - and dad stayed interested - then perhaps later it might increase.
Jimmy L. Verner Jr.
Verner & Brumley, P.C.
3131 TurtleCreek Blvd., Suite 1020
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