Am I still required to pay child support if I'm not the biological father?

Full question:

I have been paying child support for the last seven years for my daughter. Recently I became aware that I may not be the paternal father. I have recently had a DNA test performed and I was eliminated as the possible father. Legally am I still required to pay child support?

  • Category: Divorce
  • Subcategory: Child Support
  • Date:
  • State: Florida

Answer:

If you have a court order or an agreement to pay child support, a paternity test that shows you are not the biological father typically does not relieve you of that obligation. You would need to get consent from the mother and the court to stop payments, or if she does not consent, you must seek a court order. Some courts may not accept a paternity test as a basis to disprove paternity after you have been recognized as the father through marriage or a relationship. It's advisable to consult a local attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

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.

FAQs

Yes, a mother can deny a father a paternity test. However, if the father believes he has a right to establish paternity, he may seek a court order to compel the test. Courts generally prioritize the child's best interests, so if there are valid reasons for the test, the court may grant it.