Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

I am pregnant, due in less than 2 months, and my boyfriend has broken up with me. As far as I know he will not be living with me and the baby (we will be living with my mom until I can get my own place for us). He has said he wants to be supportive and helpful, etc so I would like to settle all of our agreements such as visitation and child support outside of courts to avoid the stress and cost and hassle. If we come to agreements and put them in writing ourselves (signed letters of agreement) will this hold up in case one of us does not hold up our end of the agreement? For example, if we both decide he will pay me 200/month in child support and he misses his payment, will the courts make him pay per our agreements (if I turn to them for help of course)? Same goes the other way, if I refuse to let him visit when we had agreed in writing, will the courts act against me on his behalf? Neither one of us can afford legal help and don't feel at this point it is necessary, however we do want protection in case it comes to that. Thanks.


Asked on 10/11/10, 1:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Dunn Mark D. Dunn

It's fine to make an agreement, but you have to get a court order. Courts won't enforce a private agreement; it has to be blessed by a judge, and that means filing a petition, opening up a case, and bringing it before a judge.

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Answered on 10/16/10, 2:21 pm


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