Texas § FA.161.109 - REQUIREMENT OF PATERNITY REGISTRY CERTIFICATE
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § FA.161.109 — REQUIREMENT OF PATERNITY REGISTRY CERTIFICATE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ FA.161.109. REQUIREMENT OF PATERNITY REGISTRY CERTIFICATE
REQUIREMENT OF PATERNITY REGISTRY CERTIFICATE. (a) If a parent-child relationship does not exist between the child and any man, a certificate from the vital statistics unit signed by the registrar that a diligent search has been made of the paternity registry maintained by the unit and that a registration has not been found pertaining to the father of the child in question must be filed with the court before a trial on the merits in the suit for termination may be held. (b) In a proceeding to terminate parental rights in which the alleged or probable father has not been personally served with citation or signed an affidavit of relinquishment or an affidavit of waiver of interest, the court may not terminate the parental rights of the alleged or probable father, whether known or unknown, unless a certificate from the vital statistics unit signed by the registrar states that a diligent search has been made of the paternity registry maintained by the unit and that a filing or registration has not been found pertaining to the father of the child in question. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1283 (H.B. 3997 ), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219 ), Sec. 1.086, eff. April 2, 2015. SUBCHAPTER C. HEARING AND ORDER
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § FA.161.109
What does The Texas Constitution § FA.161.109 cover?
Section FA.161.109 ("REQUIREMENT OF PATERNITY REGISTRY CERTIFICATE") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § FA.161.109?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § FA.161.109" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § FA.161.109 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.