Except in very narrow circumstances, New York courts will require that you continue your relationship as a parent to a child you’ve been raising, including the payment of child support if you are not the custodial parent.
This policy causes enormous headaches for many men who have raised children they did not father, and at the end of a marriage, are left with responsibilities to a child they may not consider their own.
If the child in question is a baby and you have not acknowledged paternity, you may be able to avoid paying child support by requesting a paternity test to prove you are not the biological parent, and demonstrating that you have not formed a bond with the child.
Courts lean strongly toward applying a paternal role, and these cases are difficult to prove and win.
At Zelenitz, Shapiro & D’Agostino, we protect our clients from unnecessary and unfair support obligations.
Call 718-523-1111 today to talk to Queens lawyer experienced in paternity issues, for free.