• 30
  • June
    2011

Lawmakers have finally given men in Texas the long-awaited ability to contest their paternity of children. Thousands of men in Houston have been forced to pay child support for children they believe aren't theirs, yet they previously had no means of challenging their obligations. That law finally changed, as Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 785 into law last month.

Men who believe they are "duped dads" are now permitted to initiate a legal process that may involve the father's presentation of evidence supporting his dispute of paternity, as well as court-ordered DNA testing. The new law is a dramatic change in Texas, where men were previously only able to contest paternity before they were legally declared as the father. Most consider the change in law to be for the better, but there are some concerns over the new bill.

The main concern is the effect the change may have upon children who suddenly lose child support. Determining and locating their true father to arrange proper support obligations may be difficult or impossible, leaving the children without the resources to be raised in a safe and healthy environment. However, legislature ultimately opted for the change in Texas law.

The change in law will not allow men to be absolved of payments that are past due, even when they can successfully prove they are not the father. Along the same lines, men will not be reimbursed for making previous child support payments for a child whom he later proves is not his.

If you believe you are wrongfully obligated to pay child support for a child who is not yours, contact an experienced Houston paternity attorney to see what legal options you may have.

Source: beaumontenterprise.com, "New Texas law allows father to contest their paternity, stop paying child support" June 30, 2011.