Can the state go back 34 years?

[tsharpe1992]

My girlfriend had a child that I questioned whether or not she was mine in 1975. I am not on the birth certificate, and I was never sure whether the child was mine at the time she was born. Now, it's 2009 and I want this question resolved in my life. The child is now an adult; 34 years old. I am now married and have no biological children of my own, but have always wondered if she were my child but never found out because I joined the military and got so busy with life in the military that the relationship fizzled away.

My question is that if I admit or if it is determined that she is my child, would I have to pay back child support to the state of Texas or to a 34 year old adult? At the time, I was a resident of Texas but now I live and reside in California and the mother and daughter are still residents of Texas.

 

[Duranie]

Probably not. DNA testing did not even exist back then and if paternity was never established then the state never had a legal father on file. Was mom ever on public assistance? You and this woman could always arrange a DNA test between the 2 of you.

 

[tsharpe1992]

I don't know if she was on public assistance but if she were would it make a difference in having to pay back money?

 

[Duranie]

Most likely not, the state likely does not even have good records from way back then. If you arrange a private DNA test and not go through the courts then it doesn't matter. The child is an adult and is too old for the courts to get involved. Also mom would not be able to file a child support order this late in the game..no way. Mom never asked for support so she is not entitled to it.