If you are served, you must not ignore it. If you are served with paperwork from the Child Support Division of the Texas Attorney General Office ("AG"), you should review the paperwork thoroughly and be aware of any hearings that are set. If you ignore the suit, you don't file an answer, and don't appear, then the case will proceed to judgment without anyone speaking up for you.

You need to understand that the AG represents the interests of the child. The goal of the AG is to get parents paying child support for the support of their children, regardless of the history or emotional issues between the two parents.

Once the AG is in a case, the AG is a party to that case, representing the child. Even if you and your ex decide that you both want the case dropped, the AG's attorney may not agree (especially if the government is trying to recoup money for benefits such as WIC that were paid for the child when one or both parents were not supporting him/her). And even if the AG agrees with the two of you, the Judge may decide that it is best for the child to proceed to a hearing and order.

The AG will not negotiate custody or visitation issues between the parties, but will only provide a "Standard Visitation Order" when appropriate. The AG will not deal with related property issues in a pending divorce. If you have these issues, you should consult with a private attorney about representing your interests.

If you are the party who has been served and there is an action filed against you, you should contact an attorney prior to attending any meetings AND prior to signing any documents of any type. Your signature on a document will be enforceable, even if you later decide that you cannot afford that amount of support. Do not wait until the day before the hearing. If you choose to hire an attorney the attorney will need time to make an appearance for you and begin the negotiation process. Do not default on the hearing or meeting because an order may be signed against you without your presence.

If you attend a meeting or hearing and feel uncomfortable or do not agree with what is being proposed, let them know you want to hire an attorney and need additional time. Most often the AG will reset the hearing or ask you to request more time from the Judge. When in doubt, ask for an extension and go seek a consultation with an attorney.