Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
How do I go about obtaining legal sole custody of my children. I never married their father, he is on the birth certificates. We are no longer in a relationship and we have not senn him in 3 months.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Based on what you have written, it appears that you need to file a Suit Affecting Parent Child Relationship (SAPCR) and request sole managing conservatorship. You may want to consult with a local law firm to assist you with protecting your and your children's rights and interests. If my law 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.
If you have no money, you can call Houston Volunteer Lawyers at 713.228-0732 and ask for their help. If they accept your case, it will be free.
Or you can go to the Texas Attorney General office and ask for help. You need to have an address so that they can contact him.
Of course, you can hire a private attorney to help you too. How much will it cost? Depends on how much work needs to be done. The filing fee in Harris County is approximately $275 in order to start the case.
Good luck!
FYI - Sole custody does not mean the father will have no rights. In very simple terms it just means the children will live with you and you will get to make the decisions for the children. In most situations the father is still going to have visitation rights.