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Isn't there also implied fatherhood? Like if you live with a woman and her child for 10 years and then split, there is the implication that the child deserves to not lose their standard of living.
Honestly, this all smells like the government trying to make us toe the marriage line and not live in "sin".
Strange that (in several stories that I glanced at) they list the accused deadbeat Dad's name. His lawyer's name, the Judge's name, the Ex-Girlfriend's Lawyer's name.....but not the Ex-Girlfriend's name.
I bet that there are a LOT of single men in Houston that would want to stay clear of that prize.
Status:
"I don't understand. But I don't care, so it works out."
(set 7 days ago)
35,630 posts, read 17,968,125 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HighFlyingBird
Texas has some really messed up and complicated paternity laws...the guy is almost always screwed no matter what in Texas.
That's not my experience, and I do have some. Texas looks the other way if the dad is a complete loser who can't even manage to maintain his job at Taco Bell. It's not worth going after them, they don't have two dimes to rub together.
Status:
"I don't understand. But I don't care, so it works out."
(set 7 days ago)
35,630 posts, read 17,968,125 times
Reputation: 50652
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tanker-yanker
Isn't there also implied fatherhood? Like if you live with a woman and her child for 10 years and then split, there is the implication that the child deserves to not lose their standard of living.
Honestly, this all smells like the government trying to make us toe the marriage line and not live in "sin".
No. It's the state not wanting to have to foot the bill for people's kids.
Mandatory paternity tests at birth would mostly solve these sorts of problems. Some people object to the costs of these tests, but that's just an excuse. Dozens of tests are done to the mother and child during pregnancy and right after birth. One more isn't going to significantly alter the costs of childbirth. Don't worry I'm not talking about doing it retroactively, so you ladies out there who have something to hide would have no worries.
Mandatory paternity tests at birth would mostly solve these sorts of problems. Some people object to the costs of these tests, but that's just an excuse. Dozens of tests are done to the mother and child during pregnancy and right after birth. One more isn't going to significantly alter the costs of childbirth. Don't worry I'm not talking about doing it retroactively, so you ladies out there who have something to hide would have no worries.
Those tests aren't mandatory.
DNA test when there is suspicion, doubt, question, CS order.
Honestly, this all smells like the government trying to make us toe the marriage line and not live in "sin".
I don't know about that. Admittedly, it is a good example of why keeping it in your pants will keep you out of trouble.
My youngest child was born in New Mexico. We opened the packet they hand you in the hospital and there were at least three different pamphlets for paternity testing. We had not seen anything like that when our first two babies were born in a different state. My husband had to ask the nurse if that was a problem there. There was also something different about filling out the form for the birth certificate. I can't remember exactly, but I think my husband had to sign it and agree that he was the father instead of me just filling in his name and saying he was the father.
It's that fine print in the law that states he's responsible until cleared by DNA evidence. He could have taken a DNA test at any time over the years & the amount owed would have stopped increasing.
He said he didn't know the mom had even filed for orders but his wages had already been garnished once? He should have stepped up to the plate & taken the test a looong time ago & this wouldn't be happening.
Why didn't he do that? Was he afraid he was the father & didn't want proof of an 18yr long obligation?
The thing is; if mom had been on any form of public assistance since the judgement against him was ruled on; the state takes over prosecuting for back-support. The mom couldn't let him off the hook if she wanted to; the state payed her & now he owes the state.
Mandatory paternity tests at birth would mostly solve these sorts of problems. Some people object to the costs of these tests, but that's just an excuse. Dozens of tests are done to the mother and child during pregnancy and right after birth. One more isn't going to significantly alter the costs of childbirth. Don't worry I'm not talking about doing it retroactively, so you ladies out there who have something to hide would have no worries.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2mares
Those tests aren't mandatory.
DNA test when there is suspicion, doubt, question, CS order.
Splitting hairs. I find reasons to do, you find reasons to don't. No way to live life.
Besides by the time the suspicions are raised it is often too late and the courts get old dude on the established relationship clause. Do the test up front, make it mandatory so the wife/girlfriend can't play the "I can't stay with someone who doesn't trust me" card, and move forward with knowledge in hand.
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