Texas Governor Rick Perry recently signed Texas Senate Bill 785 into law, a bill that reforms child support laws for men in the state. Specifically, it would end child support payments for men who are not the father of the child for whom they are paying support, but who previously lacked sufficient evidence to prove they were not the father.
The new law, through DNA testing, would give a presumed father the legal right to petition the court to end child support payments within one year of establishing he was not the biological father. It would relinquish the legal father-child relationship, as well immediately ending child support obligations.
Public Support
The Texas House and Senate each passed the bill unanimously. The bill has generated large public support, as many felt Texas law was behind in not allowing DNA evidence to be used by presumed fathers to end child support for children he had not fathered.
Just as DNA testing has exonerated many individuals that were convicted of a crime and sent to prison, this bill will also exonerate many men from having to financially struggle to pay for the upkeep of children that are not biologically theirs.
No Compensation
For many men, especially those who paid large sums of money throughout the years in support, the bill did not address one crucial issue. Under this bill, the presumed fathers, who years down the road found out they were not the biological fathers, will receive no compensation. The ex-partner will not have to reimburse them for any money they have been given in child support.
Paternity issues can be emotional and complex in nature. If you are a presumed father that plans on getting DNA testing done, talking to an experienced attorney can help with the process.
