Pregnant Step Daughter abandoned by new husband

[Johnsb66]

My wife's daughter recently turned 18, and moved out of the house (actually she moved out a few weeks before turning 18). Within 6 months of her moving out, she got pregnant, married, and now has been abandoned by her new husband (also father of unborn child due later this year), and moved back in with us....but we don't have the money to support her AND her upcoming child.

Her husband does not have a job, and as far as I know, never has had one. He is also 18, and has now also returned to live with his parents (who also will not help out with the new unborn child).

A. How soon does my step daughter need to get a lawyer? Any suggestions that might give us some hope in this dire situation?

B. Stress in our family is now maxed out, and my wife and I are starting to consider a divorce ourselves. If this happens what can I do now to protect myself?

P.S. We are located in California.

 

[jacksgal]

Soon as in very soon. The child does not have a Father until paternity is established. so her and her Lawyers first action once child is born is to seek a paternity order. Once paternity is established custody/visitation/support can be ordered

 

[Johnsb66]

Is there anything we can do while waiting for the child to be born to help with expenses? Can we get financial help from the father due to the abandonment? The are married, but did not marry until after they found out about the pregnancy - both were 18 when married.

 

[jacksgal]

No he is not the Father until paternity is established. She can ask him for money for he is not legally bound to do so in fact any monies he gives her right now are considered a gift.

 

[Johnsb66]

Thank you!

Any comments on my Question B?

 

[jacksgal]

Consult a Divorce Attorney

 

[Duranie]

For starters, make mom get a job. She has a child to support and if she is going to live with you, I would have her go out and get a job and charge her a minimal rent.

The father of the child owes nothing until paternity is established. I wouldn't count on receiving a ton of Cs from him. If he doesn't have much of a work history then CS will likely be calculated based on minimum wage.

 

[irish223]

Paternity has already been established. The couple is married.

Your step-daughter may qualify for services if her husband is not supporting her. Check the link:
http://www.childsup.ca.gov/Home/LocalOffices/tabid/68/Default.aspx

You, as a step-parent, really have no legal responsibility to your wife's daughter.

 

[jacksgal]

Your right I'm sorry. I focused on the not living with Father and fell into old posts with unwed parents. thank you Irish for correcting my error.