questions & answers

Question: I currently line in Texas have been here with ny two children for five years. My case is orginally in arizona. I went to court with my ex we were never married he petitioned me and Showed up to court high in drugs. The judge ordered hair follicle tests I passed mine he never took his and than ended up going to prison for four years for aggravated assult on a police officer. I have supported them alone since before he went to prison. He has three other kids and all were taken by the state and adopted out due to his drug use. I want to place him on chikd support with no visitation. Can I?

Answer: That will be determined by the judge.  Because you and the children now live in Texas, the State of Arizona no longer has significant contacts with you and your child.  (Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 25-1031.)  Yet, pursuant to Section 25-1032, Arizona retains jurisdiction until you ask that it be changed to Texas.  You would be well served to talk to a lawyer to figure out whether you need to get your case transferred and about petitioning for child support.  Check to see what reduced fee legal services are available where you live in Texas.  It may be possible to file your child support petition in Arizona, but that will depend on where the father lives and other facts not included in your question.  A lawyer needs to see all your documents and talk to you about your circumstances.  Go to https://texaslawhelp.org/ as a starting point to your search