Legal Question in Family Law in California
paternal responsibilities for child conceived in one night stand
I met a 27 year old woman at my sister's wedding. I saw her again a few weeks later when I helped my sister and her husband move. The woman and I ended up together that night rather spontaneously. I had no contact with her until two months later when she called me, haven gotten my number from my sister, and notified me she was pregnant with my child. I don't know her, have nothing in common with her, am 25 years old, just starting out in the work world, and am in no way prepared to be a father at this time. How can I be sure the baby is even mine? Can I relinquish my paternal rights? I want to be a father some day when the time is right but not now. My sister says the girl had an abortion a couple of years ago and has been interested in getting pregnant. I feel I was set up. I barely make ends meet even though I have a good job. Can you offer some guidance? Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: paternal responsibilities for child conceived in one night stand
When the child is born you can do one of two things; (1)You can wait until she comes after your for child support, then file a petition to determine paternity, or (2)You can do the petition as soon as the child is born.
The downside to option 2 is that if the child is yours and patnernity is establised, you will have to pay child support.
I am sorry to say that if the child is determined to be yours, you will have to pay support depending upon percentage of custody and income. If you decide not to have any relations with the child you will pay more.
Condoms are a good thing!!
Re: paternal responsibilities for child conceived in one night stand
It makes no difference whether you have been married to the mother for 10 years or it is a one night stand. It also makes no difference whether she tricked you, signed a written agreement promising not to go after you or the two of you were trying to make a child. If the child is yours, the child is your responsibilty. DNA testing will be very conclusisve. Get DNA testing done when the child is born and then step up to your responsiblity if the child is yours or wish her the best of luck, if it is not. Good Luck, Pat McCrary
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