Williamstown, NJ asked in Child Support for New Jersey

Q: What happens if another man sign birth certificate and child given his name and now after 12 years the mother

Is now saying the child is your and going to take you to court for child support

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Thank you for your question. I understand how worried you must be about being claimed as potential father to a child who has been raised by another man for many years.

In New Jersey in all cases regarding the care and custody of children, the Court must always determine what is in the best interests of the child. The law regarding the right of a mother to seek a paternity test for a child after the passage of a significant amount of time when the child has been raised by another “father” has been the subject of much litigation in the last several years. The Court must weigh many factors and the right not only of the child to know his or her potential father, but also the right of the “father” who has been raising the child for the past several years. Given the serious consequences and the complicated laws involved, it is very important that an experienced family law lawyer review with you the various laws involved so that you can understand your rights and ensure that your rights are protected.

I hope this information was helpful to you.

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