Legal Question in Family Law in California
Laws behind paternity of a child
I received a telephone call from a female that I had a sexual relation with over 15 years ago stating that I am the childs father. The birthcetificate states ''father unknown'' could I be legally responsible for child support after all these years? The child is 15 years old. How should I handle this situation. The mother is not asking for money she states the child wanted to know who her father is. I do not believe that I am the father. Shoud I hire an attorney to protct my current family?
Thank you for taking the time to help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Laws behind paternity of a child
You are not considered the legal father. You will not be considered the legal father unless a petition to establish paternity is filed with the court, and then a DNA test will have to be done to establish paternity. Your legal obligation will only be to pay child support from the date of the order. If the mom has ever received AFDC the DA may try to pop you for a period befoe the order, but you may discharge pre-order child support in bankruptcy.
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