Question:
I am a 17-year old mother and my newborn was born out of wedlock in Kentucky. Her father and I are not living together and I have given her his last name. I do not want him to pay child support because we both will have custody of the child and he will help support her. Is there any legal way that he can get out of paying child support? If so, will I still be able to have a medical card for her and keep our WIC?
Answer:
I cannot answer your question specifically to the laws of Kentucky as I am not licensed in that State. Generally you are not required to ask for child support. It is very common for people that share joint physical custody to not pay child support to the other parent. However, if you receive certain welfare benefits you sign over your rights concerning child support. Therefore the State could file a modification of the paternity action down the road to force him to pay child support. You need to review the applications that your made when receiving the medical card and WIC. In my jurisdiction you only sign over your rights to the child support in exchange for monetary welfare benefits, not indirect aid such as WIC.
