so in 1 week i am taking my 5 month old son for a genetic test and child support determination court session. this is the 1st session that has been ordered and i am worried about what to expect...if there is anyone out there that has gone through this, id really like to hear about your experiences and how everything occured...

this is also the first time ive seen my sons father for almost a year...he has never seen his son either....what should i expect?

Good luck to you, Callie. I have no experience but just wanted to wish you all the best next week. I'm sure this week will be an extra stressful one. Hold your head high!

Have you both already done income/expense worksheets? The court will use those to determine amount of child support. He'll have an opportunity to stipulate (admit) to being the father, otherwise they'll run the DNA test to determine paternity anyway and then be able to set up a child support order. It will take little while to get those tests back and you'll be in for another court date later on.

With what you posted, you can also expect a lot of emotion. Keep a leash on that, and a clear head on your shoulders. The court room is no place for emotion. Good luck.

i have just done my income tax return today actually...from what i understand i dont think that he works at all...should i bring in my W2's and other information when we do go?? and also, if he says that he is the father, does that mean that we dont need to do the paternaty test...cause if you look at my son its really obvious that he IS the father....

quote:

Originally posted by Don:
[qb] Have you both already done income/expense worksheets? The court will use those to determine amount of child support. He'll have an opportunity to stipulate (admit) to being the father, otherwise they'll run the DNA test to determine paternity anyway and then be able to set up a child support order. It will take little while to get those tests back and you'll be in for another court date later on. [/qb]

No you don't need to do a paternity test unless he wants one. If he signs the Affadavit of Parentage then he is legally considered the father. Things like this are different in different states. I'm in mich. My son is also 5 months old. When is Kalebs birthday? Jonah's is Sept 12. And you are also 23 right? Father hasn't seen the baby? Our situations are running pretty parrallel. PM me if you would like.
EMily

Well, it's already over with by now. But, I would have told you that child support won't be determined until the results of the DNA test show he is not excluded as bio dad.

If he admits paternity and everyone has their financials, the court would be prepared to calculate an order.

DNA testing here in CA is easy. No needles! Swab to the cheek and a photograph and that's it. Hope it went well.

Ronn (Child Support Attorney)