Paternity Question

I have been married for over 12 years. My husband had two sons from a previous marriage. He got joint custody and had primary guardianship of the two boys (at that time, ages 4 and 2). The boys have lived with us in South Dakota with visitation to their mother. A few years ago, their mother moved out of state (Wyoming). The oldest boy is now 17. About six months ago, he boy moved with his mother in Wyoming because he was unhappy with everything where we lived - rules we had, school, friends, etc. We felt we didn't have a choice but to let him move because of his age and because we did not want to be blamed for mistakes he may make if we didn't let him go. The mother has attempted to alienate him from the rest of our family since he has moved - we also have two children together. We have kept in contact with him but it is very limited - only when he or his mother needs something from us such as money. There has alway been a question on his paternity; however, my husband did not want to know the truth. I can not prove anything; however, I believe his mother has told the boy even before he moved that my husband was not really his father. To make matters worse, we recently had a visit with this boy at a baseball tournament and the other guy who has been a possibility of being the father was at this game - neither he or we live in the town where this baseball tournament was. I believe the mother has made contact with the guy in order to get financial support. What options do we have as far as finding out what this boy has been told and if in fact she is getting financial assistance from this other guy. My husband is listed on the birth certificate and would rather it be left alone - but it seems the mother is not going to let it rest. If she has proven to this other guy that he is in fact the father and is receiving financial support from him, where do we stand as far as legally being responsible in supporting him financially? The other boy from this previous marriage is 15 years old and there is apparently not a question as to his paternity. He is still living with us in South Dakota. We are very confused on how to handle this situation. Should my husband confront his ex about this situation or should we just wait and see what transpires.

[This message has been edited by SJERICKSON (edited July 26, 2000).]