I have a five year old son whom I have in my care full time. He hasn’t met his dad and I receive no child support from the father. I was told he can be ordered to pay child support even if he never met his son. Is that true?

ANSWER

Every child needs to be supported by both of his parents – even if that only means financially. Some women are afraid to ask for child support because they are worried that the father will try to get custody but the courts do not work that way. Child support does not “buy” time with a child. That being said it may be in the boy’s best interests to know who his father is and spend some time – even now and then – with his father. And do not forget about his father’s family. There could be several wonderful people that want the child in his/her life. I found that the paternal grandmother is usually especially interested in seeing her grandchildren.

Anyway, there are many ways to find the father and some law offices can assist with this in addition to the court filings.