Texas House Bill HB2494

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the termination of the parent-child relationship and the duty to pay child support in circumstances involving mistaken paternity.

Impact

If enacted, HB2494 would affect existing laws governing parental obligations and the conditions under which these obligations can be terminated. By clarifying the processes involved in cases of mistaken paternity, the bill could potentially lead to a more efficient judicial process for these types of cases. Additionally, it could relieve men from lifelong child support obligations if genetic testing subsequently disproves their paternity, thereby altering the financial responsibilities historically placed on individuals who have acknowledged paternity.

Summary

House Bill 2494 addresses circumstances involving mistaken paternity and modifies the Family Code concerning the termination of the parent-child relationship and related child support obligations. The bill allows a man who has acknowledged paternity—either through signed acknowledgment or previous adjudication—to petition for the termination of that relationship if he has been misled into believing he is the child's biological father. Specifically, it sets forth requirements for filing such a petition, including a verification process and a stipulated time frame for filing based on the petitioner becoming aware of their non-paternity.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from concerns about the implications of permitting such terminations. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to protect individuals from being held liable for child support when they have been wrongfully identified as fathers. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding the stability of familial relationships and the potential impact on children's emotional welfare when a paternal bond is severed, even if based on mistaken identity. Critics might also argue about the adequacy of genetic testing in bringing clarity to complex family dynamics.