If you’re pregnant in Texas but are not planning to be with the father of the child, obtaining child support may be a pressing issue. Some frequently asked questions about getting child support during pregnancy include:
- Can a pregnant woman get child support?
- How early can you file for child support?
Child support details will depend on the circumstances of your unique case.
Here are some general suggestions that may help your understanding of the child support process during pregnancy. We highly recommend that you seek professional help from a child support attorney in Houston.
Can You Start the Child Support Process While Pregnant?
It’s good to start thinking about child support while you’re pregnant, since you’ll be prepared ahead of time. However, you won’t be able to receive child support until the baby is born. In general, you must wait until birth to even apply to receive child support payments.
Can you start the child support process while pregnant? You can begin preparing for the process by contacting the experienced attorneys at The Moffett Law Firm before the baby is born.
Why Can’t You File for Child Support During Pregnancy?
The reason you must wait until the birth of the baby is to establish the paternity of the child first. The best-case scenario is that the father of the baby signs a Texas Acknowledgement of Paternity form as soon as the baby is born. This way you won’t have to spend as much time, money, and effort trying to prove paternity. Your child support case may progress quicker than usual if this occurs.
In many cases, the father does not acknowledge paternity right away. This means you must order a paternity test and wait until the results are in before you can start receiving child support payments.
So, although you can file as soon as the baby is born, you may have to wait weeks or even months for the process to be complete and to receive your first payment. Contact a trusted Houston paternity issues attorney for help with these proceedings.
How Early Can You File for Child Support in Texas?
The soonest you can file for child support is after the baby is born. That doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to start thinking about the process. In fact, it’s helpful for you to get familiar with the paperwork and the steps of the child support process while you’re pregnant.
After all, you’ll have to fill out the right Texas child support forms, and file them in a court in the county where the child lives. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee and have your child’s other parent served with papers.
If this is your first time going through the Texas child support process, it’s a good idea to study the steps while you’re pregnant. Meet with The Moffett Law Firm divorce lawyers in Houston for legal representation and answers to your questions. We will help you prepare to file for child support right after the baby is born.
If you’re pregnant and have any questions or concerns about child support or other legal matters in Texas, contact The Moffett Law Firm today for help.
