Claiming child support?

Question

I'm not married to my baby's father, and my baby isn't born yet but I'm wondering if I can claim child support before the baby is born (in case he leaves/runs away from the situation) or are there any legal documents I can get him to sign that says he is the babys father?

Do I have to actually go to court or is there any easier way out of this? I am still with my boyfriend but we've been having problems and I'm afraid it could result in something I don't want so I want to be able to get some of this out of the way early.

Is there anything I can do to be safe and make sure he does what he has to do?

This is my first child and I have no idea what to do legality wise, detailed help would be much appreciated.

P.S. I live in Virginia

Answer 1

Go see an attorney before the baby is born. You will need to establish paternity. There are different ways to do this, depending on your situation and the state you live in. (For example, he may acknowledge paternity in a number of ways.) If there's a chance he may deny paternity in order to avoid support, you may want to have a court order blood tests to determine paternity. Once the child is born and paternity is established, then you can have him pay support through the courts, or have it deducted from his paycheck if necessary. But if there's a real chance he's going to try to skip out, you should definitely see an attorney in your jurisdiction right away.

Answer 2

Since you are living with the child's father there is not anything you can do except have his name put on the child's birth certificate when the baby is born. The hospital has the forms which must be notarized. You may want to talk to someone at the hospital prior to the child's birth so that you know exactly what must be done. After the child's birth if you and the Dad split up and are no longer living together, you can apply with the local child support enforcement agency for assistance in getting a support order at little or no cost.

Answer 3

You don't necessarily have to pay for an attorney. Your state may provide an attorney for you (if you can't afford one) through the child support or family support division. The State has a vested interest in making sure that the Daddy pays his share of bills (so the State won't have to...in addition to other reasons).

But you definitely should establish paternity now. You need Daddy's social security number (makes it much easier to find Daddy if he decides to leave) and the Court needs to set formal obligations for payment of child support, medical insurance, visitation/parenting time...etc. Be warned that just because the Court tells Daddy to pay child support doesn't mean that he will actually pay.

If you post the state where you live, you will get a more detailed answer to your question.

Good Luck. :)

Answer 4

Yes, there are solutions available for you, IF the father is willing. I suggest that you contact an attorney immediately. If you can't afford one, contact your state's Bar Association. They can refer you to civil legal aid. Be prepared however to go to court. Paternity will not be established until the child is born, by DNA, because it is potentially hazardous to the fetus. This DNA testing is required in several states, such as Alabama. BUT, the father may, if he chooses, legally acknowledge paternity before the child is born. I strongly urge you to see an attorney about this. Many women have the same concerns that you do.

Answer 5

I had a child support ordered issued when I was pregnant, we already had a one yr old. The order stated he pay $146 per month, until the unborn baby was due then it would encrease to $292 a Month. Might as well beeen $5000 a month...he never has paid...I even asked him to just pay $50 a month for both and Id write off the rest..he said No and its been 10 years....My advice, get the order,,,but also get a GOOD job, and daycare assiatance fromt he state....
Cause your on your own! (but it can be done)