Family Law: Paternity, Proceedings and Payments

The issue of child support often brings with it many factors to be considered when the court makes its final decisions. The importance of this list is added to when the issue of paternity needs to be factored in as well, changing what could be a straightforward courtroom decision to one that needs to go through a lab for processing. In these cases, paternity is best determined prior to filing for divorce, so that all parties know exactly where they stand on the issue of parental and financial responsibility for the child.

“Paternity is often overlooked once a child exists, but it can become an important issue later during a divorce proceeding, when it plays a big role in determining child support,” said Norman Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf of Vero Beach, FL.

A common question among men going through a divorce where there are children involved is “can I still be required to pay child support even if the child isn’t mine?” The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as yes or no in many cases, and can depend not only on DNA testing. Because child support laws can vary, it’s always best to consult with an experienced family law or divorce attorney who can explain the factors that will determine child custody in your state.

“Child support is a serious issue and should be treated as such, especially in cases where parentage is in question because that can make a big difference in the final decision,” Green said.

Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf - Attorneys At Law. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).