Ten Things Every Non-Custodial Parent Should Know
Ten Things Non-Custodial Parents Should Know About Paternity And Child Support
A non-custodial parent, also known as a possessory conservator is the parent who has the right to spend time with the child. He or she has access to child and has legal right to know what is going on with the child. In Texas family courts, this is called ‘access and visitation’ or ‘possession’. A non-custodial parent does not have primary custody of the child.
The custodial parent, also called a managing conservator, has the right to decide the child’s residence. Some people call conservatorship custody.’
There is a common stereotype or misunderstanding that only fathers can be noncustodial parents; however, this is not true. According to Texas Law Help, approximately 10 percent of noncustodial parents are mothers. Their list below is directed toward fathers, but either mother or father who is a non-custodial parent can use it as a guide.
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If you receive a court summons, go to court. If you don’t go, the court can make decisions about your case without you. This means a man can be named legal father and ordered to pay child support even if he didn’t go to court.
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Unmarried couples can establish paternity by signing a legal document called an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or by petitioning the court. A father’s name on the child’s birth certificate does not establish a legal relationship.
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Understand the consequences of signing a legal document before you sign. Once a legal document is signed and filed, it can be hard to change (sometimes impossible), and it is almost always expensive.
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Opening a child support case with the OAG can protect your rights. A court order will be established that addresses custody and visitation, as well as how much child support and medical support you owe each month.
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Genetic (DNA) testing is free when you open a child support case through the OAG.
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To make sure your child support is set at a realistic amount, provide as much information as you can to the OAG or the court about your financial situation.
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If you cannot pay the full amount one month, you should still pay something. A partial payment shows that you are making an effort. You should also call the child support office handling your case to explain your situation.
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Ask for a review of your case if your income changes substantially or if you lose your job.
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If you fail to pay child support, it will only make things worse. Past-due child support doesn’t go away. The OAG can collect past-due support even after the child becomes an adult. Interest is charged on unpaid child support. That means the amount you owe only gets bigger with each month child support goes unpaid.
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If your child comes to live with you, notify your local child support office to request a change of status. Keep paying child support until the court orders that you are no longer required to do so.
Source: Texas Law Help
