Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

child support

Do I need to pay the mother of my son ''child Support'' if it has not been court ordered. We have nothing in writing to say that I will pay her. I am going to go to court and get it all set up to come out of my checks. I was told not to give her any more money till I go to court. We were never married. Is this a good idea?


Asked on 7/07/05, 4:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: child support

The mother or the state (if public assistance was involved) could seek back support. So all I would say is that if you make any payments, make sure you do it in a manner that lets you have a record (check, receipt or other), and make sure it says it is child support (so you can claim a credit). As to whether you "need" to pay child support if it is not court ordered, you have no legal obligation to pay it (but the mother could seek back support for periods you don't pay and potentially get an order that says you legally owed support for periods in the past), and as to whether you have a moral obligation to support your child I will leave that to you to figure out.

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Answered on 7/07/05, 5:27 pm


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