Family Law FAQ
Do I have to pay child support, even if we were never married?
Anyone who is determined to be a child’s parent is responsible for supporting the child. Paternity can be established by signing a voluntary declaration of paternity at the time of the child’s birth or after a paternity suit is filed and genetic testing establishes parentage. It’s also possible for a man who never married his child’s mother to be presumed to be the father if he welcomes the child into his home and openly holds the child out as his own.
As a step-parent, do I have to pay child support?
No, unless you have legally adopted the child.