Handbook for Non-Custodial Parents
Introduction
Every day in the United States, thousands of children are born to unmarried parents. Most of
these parents, like most married parents, heartily and lovingly welcome their child into their
lives and into their world. However, parents who are young, poor, unemployed, underemployed, or
unable to work face particularly complicated problems and concerns.
This handbook addresses the legal challenges faced by poor, unemployed or low-income, unmarried
Texas fathers. Many of these men are, or would be if they were in better economic or social
circumstances, interested in establishing a legal and personal relationship with their child. Most
unmarried fathers want to be good parents and, to the best of their ability, want to support their
child financially, emotionally, and physically.
The Center on Fathers, Families, and Public Policy, in conjunction with the Office of Attorney
General of Texas, created this handbook to explain the Texas child support system and to highlight
the legal processes involved in paternity establishment and child support enforcement. Individuals
in the situations outlined here would benefit from the assistance of a lawyer.
Next: Effect of federal law
Revised: November 20 2006
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Child Support Services