Full question:
My boyfriend acknowledged his paternity of my child a few months back. Until now, he was even helping me financially to look after the baby. Now he is refusing to give money for the baby's expenses. He says that he is not bound by law to provide child support. What can I do?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Support
- Date:
- State: Mississippi
Answer:
Your boyfriend is legally required to provide child support since he acknowledged his paternity under Mississippi law. If he refuses to help with the child's expenses, you can file a complaint against him. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-5-3, failing to support a child under eighteen can result in felony charges, with penalties including a fine of $100 to $500 or imprisonment for up to five years for a first offense. For repeat offenses, fines and imprisonment terms increase significantly.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.