As a parent seeking child support in Texas, it’s important to understand the services offered by the Texas Office of Attorney General (OAG) and what they will not do. The OAG provides various services to help parents establish and enforce child support orders, but there are limits to their assistance. In this article, we’ll discuss the services provided by the Texas OAG and what they will not do.

  1. Establishing Paternity: If paternity needs to be established, the OAG can help with this process by conducting genetic testing and filing a legal action to establish paternity.
  2. Child Support Order: The OAG can assist with obtaining a child support order from a court that outlines the amount of child support the non-custodial parent will be required to pay.
  3. Enforcing Child Support: If the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support, the OAG can enforce the child support order by garnishing wages, seizing assets, and taking other legal actions.
  4. Modifying Child Support: If there is a change in circumstances, such as a change in income or the child’s needs, the OAG can help modify the child support order.
  5. Parent Locator Service: If the non-custodial parent’s whereabouts are unknown, the OAG can help locate them.

What the Texas OAG Will Not Do

  1. Divorce: The OAG does not handle divorce proceedings, property division, or spousal support. These issues are typically handled by a family law attorney.
  2. Custody and Visitation: The OAG does not handle custody or visitation issues, as those are determined by the court.
  3. Legal Advice: The OAG cannot provide legal advice to parents. They can only provide general information about child support laws and procedures.
  4. Private Agreements: The OAG does not get involved in private child support agreements between parents. They only become involved when a court order is in place.

Conclusion

In summary, the Texas Office of Attorney General offers a range of services to assist parents seeking child support. They can help establish paternity, obtain a child support order, enforce child support, modify child support, and locate non-custodial parents. However, they do not handle divorce proceedings, custody or visitation issues, provide legal advice, or get involved in private child support agreements

Contact The Blacknall Firm

If you are facing a family law issue and need representation for a final trial or any other legal matter, contact the Blacknall Firm today. Our team of experienced family law attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. Let us put our skills and knowledge to work for you.