Child Support - Arlington, TX

L.,

You can file for child support online. I had my son in January of this year. I filed for child support online Jan. 8 (4 days after my son was born) and was scheduled for a mediation hearing Feb. 6. It was very fast. We had to go back Feb. 22 because the child support office had problems with their computers. An order for child support was issued starting on March 1.

I'm glad I didn't pay the money for a lawyer. I wasn't sure if I needed a lawyer or if I could file on my own.

Here is the link that I used. https://childsupport.oag.state.tx.us/

Click on "continue". Then click on the "Application Request" button to submit your application online.

Also you can go to the website and call for information. I hope this helps. Good luck and email me if you have any questions.

J.

Go to your local child support office and they can help you begin to set up everything. You will have to obtain an attorney to persue all of the process. If you can not afford an attorney, and you live in Tarrant County there is a place in Fort Worth called West Texas Legal Services, and they can help you in your time of need.

Go to the texas attorney general online start now it takes about 3 months and its free.

Hi L.,
The staff at Dallas Association for Parent Education can give you information. Their website is www.dallasparents.org. Click on "Warmline" and ask your questions. Or call the number listed###-###-####.
You may also want to check out your local WIC office (Women Infants Children). To find the office nearest you, click on
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/
In addition, the social worker at the hospital can offer assistance. Just let your OB know you'd like some help before the baby arrives.
Best wishes as you prepare for your birth!

This is the website that takes you to the TX Family Code.
http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/fa.toc.htm
Chapter 154 outlines child support.
The Code generally provides that your child is entitled to 20% of income of the child-support owing parent.
Good luck.

What do you need to know? Your message was a little vague...

First, the father will need to sign a paternity agreement for his name to be on the birth certificate and it acknowledges that he is the father and accepting responsibility. If he does not want to sign one, you will have to file for Paternity when the child is born to set up child support. At that time, he can request for a paternity test. Once paternity is established, then visitation and child support order will be placed.

Child support is (in Texas) 20% of his disposal income for one child unless he supports another child(ren). Visitation will be set up -- small and regular for a newborn... and it will be a gradual visitation order.

You can visit the Texas OAG site for more information and also file for child support help once the child is born. Unless you plan to get an attorney yourself.

Let me know if you have additional questions. I am not a legal professional, but I have been through it all recently.

Thanks and good luck,
L.

I would start by contacting the Attorney General to see if they can help you if not go by the courts or an attorney.
I went through the same ordeal and you do not need to put the fathers name on the Birth Certificate for child support purposes.
My baby's Birth Certificate DOES NOT have his dad's name listed at all and I still get child support.
All you have to do is get a paternity test for proof and file with the courts.
As far as visitations it's not a lot at first and then they gradually get more and more time with the baby.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me
____@____.com

I know what your going through and how hard it is..
Good Luck