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Financial Obligations to Child
After paternity is established, there are many actions required of the legal father.
In most states, the father needs to tell the child support office how much money he earns. In some states, both parents must provide this information
A child support order may be issued. This is a legal document that tells the man how much money he has to pay to support his child. The amount of support is set by state law. In some states, it is based on the father's income and the child's needs. In other states, it is based on both parents' incomes and the child's needs. The support order may include money for the child's medical care, childcare, and/or educational expenses.
If a child support order is issued, the father must pay regularly. Support payments can be sent to the court or to the child support office. In some states, depending on the situation, payment can be sent directly to the mother. The money may be taken from the father's paycheck.
If the father does not pay, the money may be taken from the father's bank account, unemployment check, state or federal tax returns, or other sources. The court can take the father's property if he does not make any payments. His property can be sold, if necessary and he may even have to go to jail.
Some questions fathers ask:
What if I don't want a child?
It doesn't matter if you want a child or not. If you are the child's father, you are legally responsible for him or her.
Do I have to pay child support if I live in another state?
Yes-crossing the state line does not end your responsibility to your child. All states have an agreement that allows for the collection of support payments across state lines.
If I establish paternity, can I keep my child?
No, but it does mean you may ask the court to allow the child to live with you. You can ask to visit your child regularly, too.
I know I'm the father, but the mother says I'm not-can I establish paternity?
Yes-contact the local child support office or the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement. To learn about paternity testing, click here.
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