Legal Question in Family Law in California
lost/missing child
I recently was told by a friend that I had a daughter, by a woman I was seeing 12 years ago, and was never told by the mother. I am attempting to find the woman to clarify if this is truly the case. I need to know where and how to find public birth records in the San Francisc County to determine that this is true. I have the woman's name and the childs name, date of birth, hospital of birth, age & gender of child. I just need to know what rights I have to pursue this and sources of public records that would list pertinent information (birth records, etc.) that would enable me to confirm or rule out this information I recenly received.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: lost/missing child
You could check the birth records in San Francisco. The city clerk can tell you where they are kept. This information is unlikely to provide any definite information. The father of the child may or may not be listed on the birth certificate. Regardless of what the birth certificate states it will not definitley determine paternity.
To determine paternity you need to have a blood or dna test. This requires a blood sample from you, mother and the child. The test will either exclude you as the father or give the per cent of probability that you are the father. To get the paternity test the either the mother must cooperate or you will have to file a petition to determine paternity. The court will then order a paternity test.
You should also consider the financial responsibility that will attach to a finding that you are the father. You will be liable for child support. Under the state guide line the amount of child support that you are ordered to pay can be considerable.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
