Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

I'm a 20 year old male student with a full time job. I recently found out one of my ex's has a child and she thinks I am the father. I've moved from the area since, and haven't talked to her in a year at least. The child is on medicaid and the mother was the only one to sign the birth certificate. She recently contacted me (the child is 5 months now) and Medicaid wants to know who the father is. I know I will have to go get a paternity test. My ex tells me she wants no money, and doesn't even want me to have any visitation. Which I suppose is fine with me, as until today, I didn't even realize the child existed. My question is, can I sign my rights over? If so, will I still have to pay support? And also, should I be getting a lawyer for the court battles that I'm sure will ensue if I am the father?


Asked on 7/27/10, 1:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

The law does not allow you to sign over your rights if the chid is yours, you will be responsible for child support and entitled to vistation. Your ex has no right under the law to waive child support as the support is the child's, not hers. She is merely the custodian of the funds for the child. You should obtain a lawyer.

Read more
Answered on 7/27/10, 8:23 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Indiana