Question:
I recently found out about a son that is the product of a one night stand. The mother called me once 12 yrs ago to tell me she was pregnant, I offered to pay for a paternity test, and she hung up on me, moved away, and came back after the child was born. I offered once again for a test, she declined, so I dismissed the idea. I saw the mother on many occasions afterwards, in town, same social events, whatever, and the child was never mentioned. Now, 12 yrs later, she calls and wants me to see him. This time she agrees to the test, which I paid for, which confirmed he was mine. I added the boy to my insurance, and commenced to seeing him and spending time and money, which she stated she didnt want, on him. Now, 9 months later, she not only wants child support, but 12 years of arrearages for years I could have been developing a relationship with him. I now have a family, and survive on all of my income. I don't know how I will afford to raise my current family and pay child support. The mother makes as much as I do a year. My question is, am I responsible for back support when she failed to inform me? Will I have to go by the guidelines although it will put my family in a terrible bind even though she is doing as well as I am?
Answer:
Allow me to preface my response with the disclaimer that I am not licensed in the State of Georgia. You questions are state specific. I do not know that answer in Georgia. I do know in my jurisdiction, she can go back 5 years for necessaries (medical expenses, etc.) and child support from the date you are served to the date of the Order. So it would not go back 12 years. I am not familiar with Georgia's guidelines specificially, but I do know that deviations are possible in some jurisdictions. This may be a good case to ask the Court to deviate from the guidleines. I suggest you schedule a consultation with our Georgia office (404-842-0009) since they would be in a better position to review your case as it pertains to Georgia laws.