Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

I don't know where you'd find it. I'm sure that such a document exists but I can't find on on the internet. Sorry!

Here is what you can do:

1. get a blank piece of paper -- you can type it -- if you don't have a computer or typewriter then you can NEATLY handwrite it.

HANDWRITTEN IS OK -- IT MUST BE NEATLY WRITTEN!

IT MUST BE LEGIBLE.

Keep this document on one page -- do not make it 2 pages!

Don't worry if you don't have a computer or can't type it!

2. copy the "title" of the SAP-CR (parties info at the top of the page & cause number & all the stuff ) just it appears at the top of their document

3. Go down a couple of lines & in the center of the page in all capitals write "RESPONDENT'S ORIGINAL ANSWER"

4. Go down a couple of lines

5. Type "Respondent, YOUR NAME, denies all of the allegations in the ORIGINAL PETITION IN SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP.

6. Go down a couple of lines type "Respectfully submitted" & then under that sign the document in your normal signature

7. Under your normal signature then type your legal name & then type your full mailing address along with your phone number(s) and if you have a fax number add it.

8. Make several copies

9. Take the original of this document & all the copies to the courthouse

10. Take it to the clerk'

11. Hand the original & the copies to the clerk. The clerk will keep the original & "file stamp copy" the copies & hand them back to you.

There should be no fee for this service.

12. You need to send copies to all the other parties in the case so that they know that you did this.

13. How do you notify them? hand deliver a copy & have proof you did it, fax it, mail it by certified copy -- any way that you can prove that you delivered a copy to them.

Keep proof that you filed the Answer with the court.

I don't know what county you live in.

You need to take it to the right courthouse.

If you file it in the wrong place then you could be wasting your energy.

Some courts will NOT let you file it directly in the courtroom.

Some courts will let you file it directly in the courtroom.

If you can file it in the courtroom then try to do that since it lessens the chances of the piece of paper getting lost.

However, be aware that paper gets lost at the courthouse all the time -especially one lone piece of paper -- why? because clerks are humans and they are dealing with thousands of pieces of paper each year.

Your file is probably open to the public so you can go to the courtroom & ask to look at your file & check and see if your ANSWER got filed properly. It might take a week or so for the clerk to file your ANSWER.

You can mail me a check for whatever you think this advice is worth -- $25 is what most people send me.

Good luck!