Adult Child of Deadbeat Dad Who Did Not Pay Support or Establish Paternity
Hello,
For various reasons, I've been looking in to suing my biological father for unpaid child support. His name is not on my birth certificate. My mother never established paternity. Also, they were never married. He has never paid any child support and I am nearly 31 years old. He currently resides in Colorado. I currently reside in California and my mother lives in North Dakota. I was born in North Dakota.
Do I have a shot in hell or should I just completely abandon the idea?
Re: Adult child of deadbeat dad who did not pay any support or establish paternity
You should completely abandon the idea. Legally, as paternity was never established, this man is not your father. (legally and biologically are two different animals.)
If paternity was never established and/or an order for support was never established, he never had any legal responsibility to provide any support.
Re: Adult Child of Deadbeat Dad Who Did Not Pay Support or Establish Paternity
Your mom should have established paternity 31 years ago, why did she wait so long? Is your motive money? Your mother decided to raise you alone. He was not a deadbeat, that was you mothers responsiblity, especially if she was not married to him. If your dad is not a millionaire, move on with your life.
Re: Adult Child of Deadbeat Dad Who Did Not Pay Support or Establish Paternity
I have been told (by other forum members) that an adult child cannot sue for child support (if an order was never established in the first place). Child support is to be paid to the custodial parent for the cost of raising a child. Why would you be entitled to that money (versus your mother who raised you). I can appreciate your frustration. Your mother had the obligation to seek child support on your behalf when you were still eligible. I am not sure how much the laws (pertaining to this particular situation) vary from state to state but I think you have no grounds for a lawsuit. Maybe someone else here knows differently.
Re: Adult Child of Deadbeat Dad Who Did Not Pay Support or Establish Paternity
Okay, good to know.
Thanks.
Re: Adult Child of Deadbeat Dad Who Did Not Pay Support or Establish Paternity
While you are not entitled to child support or anything else from this man, you MAY still be able to at least establish paternity by requesting genetic testing and a modification of your birth certificate. Consult a local attorney. I am in Texas and, in Texas, an adult child can seek to establish paternity.