Can mother be held accountable in Ohio for keeping child a secret from father?

Question

A close friend of mine recently found out he has a 12 year old son from a brief encounter back in high school. The woman never told him about the child and she is now married to someone else that the child calls "dad". For reasons unknown (although I can gue$$), after 12 years of zero contact (he has never left the neighborhood he grew up in and would've been extremely easy to find) she has suddenly decided to sue for 12 years back child support, reimbursement for medical expenses while she was pregnant, reimbursement for any medical bills the child has incurred in the last 12 years, and of course child support from here on out. A DNA test has proven paternity. My friend has no problem supporting his child and is extremely happy to have a son. However, he is angry and devastated that he was robbed of the first 12 years of his child's life. Can this woman be held accountable for what she has done?

Thank you. He is speaking to attorneys, but they just address the child support issue. We're wondering if she can be held accountable for keeping the child a secret.

Answer 1

There isnt a specific statute or anything requiring a woman to notify the father of the pregnancy or birth. but I can imagine that a reasonable court would hold her liable for damages, possibly intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress. He would have to prove extreme and outrageous conduct on her part, which I think is more found in the sudden demand for support and back pay. thats just my opinion, it could be seen either way.

Answer 2

I sure hope so - both sexes should be held accountable when it comes to the responsibility of a child. What a witch! Contact an attorney to tell about the betrayal and unethical behavior of the so-called mother. Write me, and I will try to help, too.

Don't hold your breath though, the courts, our beautiful judicial system of Child Support usually rule in favor of the custodial parent 99.999 percent of the time and if the parent is a woman, its more like 100% - whether or not she tells the truth. It is pathetic, not to mention the people who work there aren't human, are extremely rude, insecure, bitter women (mostly) and are uneducated. Sorry, a little venting on my part, but it is true - ask anyone. :)

Answer 3

She didn’t break any laws by not telling him. Personally, I think it was a horrible thing for her to do (to him and the child), but it wasn’t illegal. The judge is likely not going to be happy with her, but that’s basically all the ‘trouble’ she’ll get into over it.

Of course, since the dna test has proven he’s the father, he’ll have to pay current/future child support. But he needs an attorney to represent him in regard to the *back* child support request (Mom knew where to find him, failed to notify him of the child’s existence, and failed to petition for child support). However, if Mom received governmental assistance during that time, he’s likely going to be ordered to pay it (because in that case, the money belongs to the state/taxpayers).

Answer 4

I would think so IF he can PROVE that she diliberately withheld his son (as well as knowlege of the child) from him.

Tell him NOT to talk with her lawyers about this or the state lawyers that are attempting to collect from him... He needs to speak with another attorney about this injustice.

There are also Fathers Support Groups out there (Google them) that may be able to assist your friend.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Yup. He needs to get an attorney and NOW. In fact, he should already have had one.

Answer 6

he needs to get attorney !!!! what is it with todays moms!!! (and some of the moms and some of the dads)

Answer 7

actually no...unless she tries to get government assistance then they will want a paternity test