Q: Can someone explain the court process for establishing paternity?
The TX AG served papers on mom & bio father. Both were asked to file an answer & father was also provided a request for production of documents. Confused why the hearing would be set BEFORE discovery is due? Do these things typically require multiple hearings? Do parents typically get time with the judge to raise concerns or is it best to do this in the answer? I don't know what the court process is like -- I've imagined something like a mediation where all parties have a chance to speak, but wondering now if we will go to court and the judge will just make a decision based on the answers submitted by the parents and without hearing from both parents at the actual hearing.
A: It appears you are in TX A G court. Most are handled very quickly. They establish child support. Their paperwork regarding visitation cannot be modified. I don't like their paperwork. I highly recommend that you hire an attorney to assist you or perhaps move the case away from TX A G court. TX A G does a form of mediation that is unique to them. They really don't care about what you have to say - they don't have time - they only want to set up child support. If mom alleges that you are "abusive" then you won't get her address and visitation might be through supervised visits. Please hire an attorney. You don't have to sign the papers even when they threaten you. But if it's trial, judge does not care if you show up or not or if you don't sign - only Judge's signature is the only one required.
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