Paternity Test Cost Responsibility

Summary

In Texas, the party requesting a paternity test usually covers initial costs, but courts may allocate expenses later. Mediation agreements can be binding if signed by all parties, but court approval ensures enforceability. Your attorney should act in your best interest and follow your instructions within legal bounds. Consider consulting another attorney if you have concerns about your current legal representation.

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My lawyer is saying we're now bypassing the court order, and says they're cooperating, even though I paid her to file it through the court. She says she's mediating. Is this still legally binding if the judge isn't involved?
Mediation agreements can be legally binding if all parties agree and sign the settlement agreement. However, to ensure enforceability, it's generally best to have the agreement approved by the court.
Would you like assistance in connecting with another attorney in Texas to review your situation?
So, my lawyer can't mediate without the judge's involvement?
Your lawyer can mediate without the judge's involvement, but for the agreement to be enforceable, it's usually best to have the court approve it. If the other party is willing to cooperate, mediation can be a cost-effective and quicker solution. However, court approval ensures that the agreement holds legal weight.
Would you like more details on how to get court approval or need help finding another attorney in Texas?
Write me a brief to the website through whom I hired my attorney expressing how I was not told that she would skirt the court's legal empowerment and eventually offer mediation without the judge's involvement, and that I therefore am looking for an attorney to be assigned who will ensure a judge is involved every step of the way for my concerns of legal weight.
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Certainly! Here's a brief for your request:
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Subject: Request for Reassignment of Attorney
Dear [Website Name/Support Team],
I am writing to express my concern regarding the attorney I hired through your website. When I initially hired her, I was not informed that she would bypass the court's legal empowerment and proceed with mediation without the judge's involvement. My understanding was that all legal processes, especially those of significant legal weight such as my paternity suit, would involve a judge's oversight.
Given this unexpected approach, I am seeking to be reassigned to another attorney who will ensure that a judge is involved every step of the way in my case. My primary concern is to have every agreement and decision legally binding and enforceable, which I believe necessitates judicial involvement.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your assistance in finding an attorney who aligns with my legal needs and expectations.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
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Feel free to modify any details as needed!
Is my attorney obligated to uphold my wishes to keep the judge involved after I already paid for a court-ordered paternity test?
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Your attorney is generally obligated to act in your best interest and follow your instructions, as long as they are within the bounds of the law. However, mediation agreements can be legally binding if all parties agree and sign the settlement agreement. Court approval ensures enforceability.
Would you like to know more about the legal obligations of your attorney in Texas?