Trabuco Canyon, CA asked in Child Support for California

Q: My son is 32 years of age. I just found out that he is my son. Do I owe child support to the mother.

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3 Lawyer Answers
Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
Answered
  • Jess Ranch, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I am not an expert in child custody or support matters. However, if you have just learned about the existence of a child, be sure to verify he is your child by doing DNA testing. If the testing is positive, you cannot be held responsible for not paying child support during the time of the child's minority.

If the child's mother hid the child's existence from you for so long, you may have the right to sue her for the damages you suffered by not being in the child's life as his father for those many years. If you do that, she may claim an offset by support she hadn't received, but that was likely due to her own fault in concealing the child's existence from you.

So the short answer is no.

Joseph Torri
Joseph Torri
Answered
  • Riverside, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If there were child support orders in place, you would most likely owe child support. However, it sounds like you just found out that he is your son. It's unlikely that child support orders were made since you most likely would have heard about a child support case if one was filed. It's unlikely that you would owe child support. Since you are posting this question, you definitely have a concern.

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in California

A: Is there a prior order re: child support? If not, then no. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AEesq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

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