What are my rights?

[c12]

Hello -

I live in CA. and to my surprise I recently received a letter from the District Attorney's Office stating that I'm a parent of a minor and the I am required to establish, modify or enforce child support.

Nine years ago, a lady that I dated, is now claiming that I'm the father of her child. If this is true, (after blood tests confirm) am I responsible for child support from day one? Should a contact an attorney to handle something like this? Should I contact her directly? The child does not carry my last name? What are my rights? Why after 9 years am I hearing that I have a child?

I am now married with a child of my own. What affects will this have on my family?

Thank you

 

[tigger22472]

First thing you need to do is get a paternity test done. I would do this without contacting the mother what so ever until the results are in. The worse thing that can happens is she tells the child his/her "father" is this or that and then you find out your not the father. I definately wouldn't meet the child before hand. That could cause too many emotions on both sides if the results are negative. As far as the child support she can only receive it from either the date filed or when the judge orders it for the first time. They will not go back nine years. If paternity is established the fact that you are married with another child will have no bearing as far as the amount of support to be paid. It's never a bad idea to at least get a consultation from a lawyer.Good Luck!!

 

[c12]

Thank you so much for your advice. Where do I go to take the paternity test. Will this be something the court appoints? And as far as the child support - she was on welfare, am I still exempt for the last 9 yrs? I appreciate your imput.

 

[carolinaheat]

there is a great website www.dnacenter.com that tells you all about dna testing and how it works; your attorney can contact them to set everything up