I was recently served papers for child support and a dna test from the county for a child I didn't know existed, we had slept together twice, once unprotected. quit dating because I found out she was into drugs. the child is now 18 months old. which fits the time frame I was with her.
apparently the child is with her grandma, because the mother is in prison for I believe selling drugs. I'm assuming the grandmother is recieving assistance and thats why the county is trying to find the father. I met someone I plan to marry and we just had a child and a stable enviroment, and I earn a good living. the following questions are assuming the child is mine.
my questions:#1 With the mother in prison, what rights do I have as a father over the grandmother or mother for custody, since I've never even met the child (although I would have from day 1 had I known)
#2 can they order child support for I child I never knew about?
#3 since I've never met the child can I sign off all parental rights?
I'm blind sided by all this, I feel if I am ordered to pay child support I want to know my child before she gets any older so she knows her father, and I do not want a child of mine brought up in a household that uses drugs,
thank you for your help. please advise me of mmy options.
also if the child is mine do I need seek an attorney if I move forward with any of these issues. thx again
apparently the child is with her grandma, because the mother is in prison for I believe selling drugs. I'm assuming the grandmother is recieving assistance and thats why the county is trying to find the father. I met someone I plan to marry and we just had a child and a stable enviroment, and I earn a good living. the following questions are assuming the child is mine.
my questions:#1 With the mother in prison, what rights do I have as a father over the grandmother or mother for custody, since I've never even met the child (although I would have from day 1 had I known)
#2 can they order child support for I child I never knew about?
#3 since I've never met the child can I sign off all parental rights?
I'm blind sided by all this, I feel if I am ordered to pay child support I want to know my child before she gets any older so she knows her father, and I do not want a child of mine brought up in a household that uses drugs,
thank you for your help. please advise me of mmy options.
also if the child is mine do I need seek an attorney if I move forward with any of these issues. thx again