Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
How to file for custody of a child when you were never married ?
4 Answers from Attorneys
You must file what is called a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR). It is a suit through which the court establishes a parenting plan governing possession and access of the children, as well as child support.
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Based on what you have written, a Original Petition for a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) will need to be filed in the appropriate court. The filing of this law suit will set forth the parameters of child custody, support, and visitation. You should consider consulting with a law firm to assist you in the drafting, filing, and representation of this matter. If my firm can assist you with this legal issue or any other legal matter, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange for an initial consultation.
While the other two answers are correct, first you have to prove who the baby daddy is. Once paternity is establish the terms of custody, support, and visitation can be addressed. You can either go through a private attorney (faster and somewhat expensive) of through the Child Support Division of the Attorney General of the State of Texas (time consuming but free).
If you decide to us the AG, remember the AG does not represent either parent, it represents the State of Texas and is really only interested in making sure someone is paying child support.
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