Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos have called off their April 10, 2026 wedding in Lake Como, Italy, just one month before the ceremony. The couple shares two daughters—Margaret Rose Jane (age 2) and Aurora Rayne (9 months)—and will now navigate Texas family law as unmarried co-parents, a legal status that carries significant implications for custody rights and child support obligations under the Texas Family Code.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos called off their engagement |
| When | Announced March 7, 2026 (wedding was April 10, 2026) |
| Where | Wedding planned for Lake Como, Italy; couple resides in Texas |
| Children | Two daughters: Margaret (2) and Aurora (9 months) |
| Prescott's contract | 4-year, $240 million ($60M/year average, $231M guaranteed) |
| Texas child support cap | $11,700/month net resources (effective 2026) |
Why This Matters for Texas Families
When unmarried parents with children separate in Texas, they face a fundamentally different legal landscape than divorcing spouses. Unlike married couples who automatically share parental rights, unmarried fathers must establish legal paternity before gaining enforceable custody or visitation rights under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.201.
For the Prescott-Ramos situation, this distinction is significant. According to TMZ, the couple went public with their relationship in 2023, became engaged in October 2024, and had their first daughter in February 2024. Representatives told People that despite the breakup, both parents are committed to raising their children together in the most loving and positive way.
However, commitment and legal obligation are separate matters. Without a court order establishing parental rights through a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR), neither parent has clear legal authority under Texas law—even if they have successfully co-parented for years.
How Texas Handles Unmarried Parents
Texas law provides equal parental rights to mothers and fathers, but unmarried parents must take affirmative legal steps to establish those rights. The process typically involves three components:
Paternity Establishment
If Prescott signed a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) at the hospital when each daughter was born, he has already established legal paternity under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.301. This document carries the same legal weight as a court order after 60 days. If an AOP was not signed, paternity can be established through genetic testing and a court proceeding.
Custody and Possession Orders
Texas uses the term possession rather than visitation for parenting time. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 153.3101, the Standard Possession Order (SPO) serves as the default custody schedule, typically providing the non-custodial parent with:
- First, third, and fifth weekends of each month
- Thursday evenings during the school year
- Extended summer possession (30 days)
- Alternating holidays
Courts can modify this schedule based on the best interest of the child standard, and high-earning parents with demanding travel schedules—like an NFL quarterback—often negotiate customized arrangements.
Child Support Calculations
This is where Prescott's financial situation becomes particularly relevant. Texas calculates child support as a percentage of the obligor's net monthly resources, capped at $11,700 per month for 2026 cases. For two children, the guideline percentage is 25% of net resources.
According to Spotrac, Prescott's 2025 salary is $47.7 million. Even with the cap, guideline child support would be approximately $2,925 per month ($35,100 annually) per the standard calculation. However, courts can deviate from guidelines when the obligor's income substantially exceeds the cap, potentially ordering additional support for educational expenses, extracurricular activities, or to maintain the children's accustomed standard of living under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.126.
The Prenup That Wasn't
Ramos publicly addressed speculation about the breakup's cause on social media, stating: "This had nothing to do with a prenup. I hope we can put that rumor to rest now." According to Hello Magazine, she wanted to set the record straight after tabloid reports suggested financial disagreements caused the split.
From a legal perspective, prenuptial agreements become irrelevant when a wedding does not occur. Texas recognizes premarital agreements under Tex. Fam. Code § 4.001, but these contracts only take effect upon marriage. Whatever terms Prescott and Ramos may have negotiated have no legal force now that they remain unmarried.
What does apply is child support law, which cannot be waived or limited by any private agreement. Texas courts retain jurisdiction over child support regardless of what parents agree to privately.
Practical Takeaways for Texas Parents
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Establish paternity immediately if unmarried. Sign the AOP at the hospital or file a paternity action promptly. Without legal paternity, fathers have no enforceable rights to custody or decision-making.
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Get a court order even when co-parenting works. Informal arrangements can collapse during disputes. A SAPCR filing under Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003 creates an enforceable framework for custody, possession, and support.
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Understand the child support cap applies to guideline calculations only. For high earners like Prescott, courts routinely order above-guideline support to meet children's demonstrated needs.
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Plan for the end of relationships, not just the beginning. Couples planning weddings often skip the less romantic work of establishing custody orders for existing children. The Prescott-Ramos situation demonstrates why legal structures matter before—not just after—things fall apart.
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Document everything during the relationship. Shared expenses, parenting time, and financial contributions all become relevant if disputes arise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do unmarried fathers automatically have custody rights in Texas?
No. Unmarried fathers must establish legal paternity before gaining custody rights. This is done either by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) at the hospital or through a court proceeding under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.201. Until paternity is legally established, the mother has sole custody by default.
How much child support would someone earning $60 million pay in Texas?
Texas caps guideline child support calculations at $11,700 per month in net resources for 2026 cases. At 25% for two children, this equals $2,925 monthly. However, courts can order above-guideline support when income substantially exceeds the cap, potentially reaching $10,000+ monthly for high earners to maintain children's lifestyle.
Does calling off a wedding affect a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement only takes effect upon marriage. If the wedding does not occur, the prenup has no legal force. Texas law under Tex. Fam. Code § 4.001 specifically defines premarital agreements as contracts made in contemplation of marriage that become effective upon marriage.
Can unmarried parents agree to no child support in Texas?
No. Child support is a right belonging to the child, not the parents. Texas courts will not enforce agreements that waive or substantially limit child support. Even if both parents agree privately, either can later petition the court for a support order, and the court must order guideline support unless deviation is warranted.
What is a SAPCR in Texas family law?
A SAPCR (Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship) is the legal proceeding used to establish custody, visitation, and support orders for children. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003, either parent can file a SAPCR to obtain a court order governing parental rights and responsibilities.
The Prescott-Ramos breakup reminds Texas families that relationship status and legal status are distinct concepts. Whether you are planning a wedding or planning a separation, establishing clear legal frameworks for children should never wait.
If you are navigating custody or support questions as an unmarried parent in Texas, speaking with a family law attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.