Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

How can I avoid public embarassment of being served papers for paternity?

I had a brief affair with a married woman. I am also married. She became

pregnant during our affair, so it is possible that I am the father of the child.

The woman and I are no longer in contact with one another and she last left it

saying that she would not reveal my identity in the event that it comes out

that I am the biological father of the child.

In the event that she does reveal that and I am sued by either her or her

husband, is there any way to prevent being served papers at work or home

(so that my employer and spouse will not find out). I have considered

engaging a lawyer now to effectively ''be on the look out'' for a paternity suit

against me. Is that possible or required?

Bottom line: I have this problem hanging over my head and I do not want my

wife or employer to find out in the event that it blows up!


Asked on 4/22/06, 10:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: How can I avoid public embarassment of being served papers for paternity?

In the event that you are sued in order to establish paternity and your consequent obligation to pay child support, you could arrange to pick up the lawsuit papers at the courthouse in order to obviate the need to serve them upon you at some other location.

However,, it's almost a foregone conclusion, that in the event that a lawsuit is in fact initiated for the aforementioned purposes, that at some point those folks from whom you most want to conceal it will in fact find it out---much to your chagrin.

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Answered on 4/22/06, 4:01 pm


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