Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Being told you have a 7 year old son

My step son was recently told he is the father of a 7 year old boy. The mother is sure, he's not. She is not asking for back support but if it's proven that he is the father, is he obligated to pay support for this child until he's 18 years old? The mom and the child both have emotional problems and are supposed to be on medication and because of this, my step son really does not want to be involved with either of them. She wants a relationship with my step son and for him to be a father and threatens him with a court ordered DNA test and jail if he does not agree to her demands. I know this sounds like a Jerry Springer Show episode, but what are his rights in this case? Thank you.


Asked on 4/02/07, 2:11 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ronee Korbin Steiner Ronee Korbin Steiner, P.C.

Re: Being told you have a 7 year old son

Not only can he be held responsible til he is 18, he can be responsibile dating back to his birth. If he does not think it is his child, then they can either agree and go get a DNA test or file pleadings with the court asking the court to order she do so. Otherwise, he generally has rights regarding custody and parenting time. It is a matter of a factual analysis whether it should be joint custody and what parenting time he might be awarded. Feel free to contcat my office for a detailed consultation.

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Answered on 4/02/07, 10:15 am


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