Legal Question in Family Law in North Carolina
Child Support
Can a parent be held responsible for back child support payments if a cild re enters their life at age 18? the legal guardians of the 18 yr old has always known where the father has been but never served the father with child support. Will the father have to pay past or future child support with this child. Its a beautiful story and we just want to know what to be prepared for. Thanks
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child Support
Generally, an action must be commenced before the child becomes an adult (age 18). Even if an action were timely filed, the statute of limitation on retroactive child support is three years.
If the legal guardians knew of the location of the father and concealed that from the father such that the father was prevented from knowing his child and having the opportunity to be a father, the father might have tort claims against the guardians which in theory could far outweigh any child support obligation.
We have experience litigating cases very similar to this where we have advanced the tort claims. Should you need additional help, please contact us.