Child Support?

Question

I'm 18 and I'm 6 weeks pregnant....I've been dating the guy for a year but we were broken up when I found this out and he is talking to his ex gf again....Anyways it's just a bad situation and we've decided it's best if he signs over his rights....And he is making a big deal about him not wanting to pay for child support....Do you think he should pay or not?

Answer 1

The problem is that in many states in the US the courts will not allow him to sign away rights to avoid child support. And, unfortunately, child support and "rights or visitation" are not dependent upon each other.

You need to talk to a lawyer and find out what your rights are.

I'm sorry things are difficult right now. I do hope that it all gets sorted out soon.

I do think he should pay child support.

Answer 2

If he signs away his parental rights he will not have to pay. He can only sign away those rights if you allow it. I don't think you should allow him to sign away his rights. If he doesn't want anything to do with the baby thats on his conscience, but he should definately be financially responsible for a child he helped create. You'll definately need the financial support to raise a child. I don't think you should feel sorry for him either and not make him pay. You didn't make this baby by yourself and he has to face the consequences for his actions. Maybe in the future when you meet someone else, get married and this guy is still not involved in the childs life, then you can make a decision as to what you feel is best for your baby. Your future husband may even be willing to adopt the child.

My suggestion is to make you and the child your main concern and worry about his/her needs. Not that of the irresponsible seemingly uncaring dad. I had a baby when I was 18 and we tried to make it work for awhile, but it was a bad situation. I think you will find that you definately need the financial support from him whether he likes it or not.

Hope all goes well, and don't let him run you down, or walk all over you. Remember that you're not alone and the law is on your side.

Answer 3

Once he signs his right away, he is no longer listed as the father. there fore you can NOT go forth with Child Support. Dont let him sign that paper. What you should do id have him either sign the birth certificate or a paternity affidavit. If he refuses, then the courts will order a genetic test to be submitted. You should go forth with child support. Not only will it help you out financially, it will bring a piece of mind to the child knowing their father pays his support. The thing is you cant file for child support until the baby is born. By then he may or may not be around. If hes not around, the judge will order a default child support order and it will pursue from there. If he doesn't pay, arrears will add up and he will get leans on his property, cars, bank accounts, and his IRS will be intercepted.

I wish you the best of luck and congrats on the baby!

Answer 4

My first instinct would say that yeah, the guys a jerk, and you should get whatever you can out of him. You made the mistake of trusting him however, and regardless of whether or not the decision is right or wrong, you decided to keep the child while he did not.

Both of you need to feel the sting of this mutual mistake, fairly. As a fair compromise, I wouldn't charge the full amount of child support. Like half- or a little more than that. If he can't agree to this, than he's an unreasonable man and you should then proceed with plan A.

Answer 5

If he brought a baby into the world he should support it. But the hard question has to be answered by you. It's always helpful to get the child support, but you need to look at later on down the road. Do you want him involved in the baby's life? If you meet someone who wants to adopt the baby and form a family with you, will he be willing to terminate then. If he doesn't pay you will have to take him to court to enfiorce. Decide what you want out of life.

Answer 6

You play, you pay. He should pay child support, and to be honest, he doesn't really have a choice if you decide to file.

He may be required to take a paternity test, which will, no doubt, come back positive. After that, they will garnish his wages, depending on the state that you're in.

If you want him to sign over his rights, though, although you'll get no child support, some other great man in the future may wish to adopt your son or daughter. Child support, though, will be out of the question.

I would stick it to him, though. What a jerk.

Answer 7

Of course he should pay...by law he has to pay support for that child till its 18. Why should you have to shoulder all the burden?? HE can make as biga deal as he wants about not paying...by law he has to. Don't let him off the hook. He can sign over all rights to the child (that wasy you can get full custody) then stick it to him with the child support. Get court ordered support payments that way if he doesn't pay they go after him. Talk to a family court lawyer to see how to proceed. Teh laws are different everywhere

Answer 8

He can sign over his rights if he chooses. BUT, he can't avoid paying support. Contact your State's Attorney General Office and complete their affidavit to have him ordered to pay child support. It's easy, it's free and you don't need a lawyer. Basically the AG Office will ask him to prove that he is not the father. If he fails to do this, his payments will be garnished from his employment checks and you will get paid through the AG's office. And if he fails to work and make payments, the AG's office will prosecute him for criminal non-support. No worries, you're in good shape. Stay in school, and take everything that's free.

Answer 9

He should pay if you decide to raise the child yourself. If not, you might consider adoption to a couple who cannot have kids. Find a loving couple and give them a wonderful gift, the gift of life.
You're 18 and you still have a life to live. So is he.
Children are a big responsibility - they require everything you can give them... and more. There is another option that'll turn the mistake into a blessing for some couple in need. Consider it.

Answer 10

If you want him to sign over his rights to the child, you should not then expect him to provide for it. You can't have it both ways. Either you want him to be active in your child's life and help out financially, or you have him completely out of your child's life and never have anything to do with him again. I don't think he should have to pay any child support if he's giving up his rights to the child.