Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

I live in Cuyahoga County Ohio and have a 6 week old baby. The Father of the child has not spoken to me since I was 2 months pregnant. Just this week, he contacted me stating he had heard I had the baby and also that he wanted to see his child. This man has not taken a DNA test to establish the child is in fact his. Due to the fact he and I were not married when I became pregnant and he has not been around since I was 2 months along, what rights do I have to block him from having anything to do with this child? I am married to someone else and have been for 10 years, but we have been estranged for 4 of those years. Does that make a difference? I did not have the child here in Ohio, he does not know the baby's exact birthdate, I did not name a Father on the birth certificate, and gave the baby my last name. I am financially prepared to care for this child on my own without anything from this man whatsoever. Does he have the ability to fight me in court and force me to submit the baby for a DNA test?


Asked on 2/02/10, 6:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nancy Fioritto Patete Nancy Fioritto Patete, Esq.

The reputed father of your child can ask the court for an order to determine parentage. If he is determined to be the biological father, then most likely you both will be faced with child support and custody (or parenting) issues. This may not necessary be a bad thing.

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Answered on 2/08/10, 8:34 am


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