Paternity Statute Changes in Texas

There has been a major change in the ability of a father to deny paternity in Texas. Previously if a man did not deny paternity and request genetic testing at the time of a lawsuit concerning paternity of the child, the ability to deny paternity would be lost.

The legislature has now said that a father can deny paternity at any point in time if there has never been genetic testing. Folks, this is a really big.  I have heard of statistics that say that 25% of children born in a marriage are not the biological child of the husband. I don't know if that's a true statistic, but this statute now allows a man to deny paternity after a divorce is final. If the results of the genetic testing show that he is not the father he can file suit for that determination and terminate child-support.


For Smart Divorce in Texas

Diane M. Wanger (Divorcing people since 1983)

www.texasfamilylaw.info

817-285-2855

Happy New Year

Well, another year has passed. I was reflecting to a client this week how much initial custody determinations have changed since I first started practicing 28 years ago. Back then, it was a given that if you had a stay-at-home Mom (and it was always the Mom) her getting primary custody and temporary use of the house was a given. Not so much the case now. Not that the norm has flip flopped or anything, but the result is determined by the judge who is hearing your case. And these days, the value system and beliefs of the various judges regarding this important issue vary widely. It is important to hire an attorney who practices regularly in the county where your case is. Part of what you are purchasing is a sort of "institutional" knowledge, not purely knowledge of the laws.

If you need more information about child custody in the Tarrant County, Texas area, please call my office for an appointment at 817-285-2855.

From Smart Divorce in Texas

Diane M. Wanger