SOCIAL NETWORKING USERS BEWARE!

I AM NOT THE FATHER, WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT?

At the time of the child's birth, the parents' names are listed on the birth certificate.  In the event the parties are not married, the parties often sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, acknowledging that the father and mother are the child's parents.  Paternity is established as of the date it was signed by each party, and remains in full force and effect unless rescinded within sixty (60) days of that date.

This is particularly important when a father has signed such a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, but does not seek to have genetic marker testing completed at that time.

Genetic marker testing, completed by taking samples from the mother, the child, and the alleged father, will establish with almost certainty whether or not the individual is the father of the child.  Any individual who has any question whatsoever as to whether or not he is the father of the child should have the genetic marker testing completed prior to obligating himself, either formally or informally, before agreeing to pay child support.

In the leading case, Paternity of Cheryl, a father wanted to set aside a judgment of paternity more than five years after he had voluntarily acknowledged paternity.  In that case, the parents had executed an acknowledgment of parentage in which the father stated he was the father of the child.  He stated he understood that signing the acknowledgment would have the effect of a judgment against him, obligating him to support the child.  He signed the acknowledgment as his free act and deed.