Texas Child Custody Legal Questions

If you marry your current partner, the child will be a child of the marriage, and it won't matter who the biological father is. You can put his name on the birth certificate. But please don't lie to your child. When the time comes, tell your child who the biological father is. Tell the child that your husband is, however, the real father.... Read Answer

Initially it is important to know if there is presently any court order in place regarding parenting time between the biological father and the child. If so then you must comply with those orders until the orders are modified. If not then you should make decisions based upon the best interest of your son. The biological father may always file with the court requesting orders regarding parenting time, and even with your particular set of facts there is no guarantee what a judge or hearing officer may order. You should consult with an experienced family law attorney in your area to review all these facts and circumstances, and decide what steps are appropriate for you to take.... Read Answer

You can file a Termination and Adoption suit prior to the birth of the child. However, the Affidavit of Relinquishment can not be executed until after the birth of the child. You can draft some of agreement where the sperm donor agrees not to ask for custody/visitation but it is not going to be binding. You will have to have the father/sperm donor sign an Affidavit of Relinquishment.... Read Answer

In Utah, if the court finds that he impoverished himself, he will not likely be awarded a reduction in his child support obligation. He usually cannot claim remarriage and/or a voluntary increase in his costs of living as a basis for modification of child support either, but don't count on the court assuming that you win and your ex loses. This will not necessarily be an easy win for you. Courts think and rule in mysterious ways. You will need to prove these things to prevent the court from ruling in your ex-husband's favor.... Read Answer

In Louisiana, a parent's parental rights can be terminated for purposes of an intrafamily adoption if he/she has failed to communicate with, or attempt to communicate with the child without just cause for a period of 180 days. Also, parental rights can be terminated for failure to comply with a court order of support for 180 days without just cause. And yes, your boyfriend would need to marry you in order to adopt.... Read Answer

I suggest that you consult with an experienced termination/adoption attorney to fully review your situation. In Arizona generally speaking you do have to be married to your boyfriend in order for him to adopt the child. There is also the possibility that the biological father would agree to sign a consent to the adoption, since the adoption of the child would end his child support obligation.... Read Answer

The child born during your marriage will be legally yours until a court declares that you are not the father. That declaration can be done in a divorce decree or in a separate order. Adultery is important when dividing property, but may not be relevant to the custody issues regarding your eight year old.... Read Answer