Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: termination of parentage

Hello: I bet that was shocking, to learn you have a child who is 13. The prosecutor (or mom's counsel) can ask for up to five years back support - although there is an argument that you should not have to pay support from before you were served. Maybe not a sure thing, but had she told you sooner you could have dealt with it sooner.

Have you gone though DNA testing or did you sign the parentage affidavit? If this child is 99.97% probably yours, there isn't a lot of reason to stand on formality.

If the mom is in a stable relationship and her husband/significant other is interested in adopting the child, then your future child support obligation would end with the adoption.

If you want to bargain, start by asking for residential time. Sounds unartful, but this is your child, you should not have been cut out of this child's life for the past thirteen years. You have a lot of parenting to make up!

Don't let the other parent continue to shut you out by allowing her to control your time with your child.

Additionally, if you and the mother can get along and not have a relationship filled with animosity about money and time, it is possible that the mother will waive back support. She can do that. You owe back support to her, present and future support to your child (though her). It is a subtle distinction, but could mean the difference between owing hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell