Question:

I fathered a baby out of wedlock. The birth mother wants me to pay the doctor and hospital bills. My insurance paid for the baby's expenses.

Am I legally liable for the medical bills in her name? She also thinks I should compensate her for her lost wages when she stayed home with our daughter.

Is there any legal basis for her to make this claim?

 

 

 

Answer:

The paternity and/or family support laws govern what birth and child expenses you may be required to pay and how far back she may be able to obtain child support.  You may be liable to reimburse her for medical expenses, or the laws of your state may give the health care providers the right to pursue you directly, as it appears you have accepted responsibility for the child.

Generally, lost wages are not a standard for assessing child support or birth expenses.  However, her lack of income may warrant an adjustment of the child support to assure the child is properly supported.  Conversely, if she had not stayed home you might have been assessed some daycare costs dependent upon the financial circumstance of both parties.

It is important for you to pursue protection and enforcement of your parental rights promptly.  Unlike a child born during a marriage where the husband is presumed to be the father and has inherent parental rights, as an unmarried father, generally you have no presumed rights but are required to provide support.  If you wish to obtain specific custodial rights or an enforceable visitation schedule, you may be required to pursue a paternity order even though you have accepted financial responsibility or signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.