#ChildSupport #Coparent #DNAtest
Hi there! It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating situation. Being named as the co-parent to a child you’ve never met can be incredibly stressful, especially when you know for sure that it’s a case of mistaken identity. It’s understandable that you’re feeling lost and unsure of what steps to take next. Let’s break down your options and figure out the best course of action.
The first thing to note is that it’s great you’ve already spoken to a lawyer about this issue. Their advice is crucial in navigating the legal aspects of child support cases, and it’s important to continue following their guidance. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to resolve this situation:
Contact the Local Child Support Office
It’s evident that you’ve already been in touch with your local child support office regarding this matter. However, it’s worth revisiting them to reiterate the information you’ve discovered about the actual father of the child. Here’s what you can do:
– Schedule an in-person meeting with a representative from the child support office.
– Bring any evidence you have gathered, such as the father’s social media profiles, the mugshot photo, and any other relevant information that proves your innocence in this case.
– Clearly and firmly explain your position and emphasize that you are willing to take a DNA test to clear your name.
Push for a DNA Test
Given the evidence you have found online, it’s important to advocate for a DNA test as soon as possible. This is the most definitive way to prove that you are not the father of the child in question. Here’s how to approach this:
– Request a formal DNA test from the child support office.
– If necessary, seek assistance from your lawyer to ensure that the process moves forward in a timely manner.
– Emphasize the urgency of resolving this matter, as it is causing you significant stress and anxiety.
Protect Your Legal Rights
As you mentioned, you have been advised not to interact with the online child support portal. It’s crucial to follow this advice and refrain from taking any actions that could potentially worsen the situation. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
– Avoid entering any information into the online portal unless explicitly instructed to do so by your lawyer or the child support office.
– Stay in close communication with your lawyer and seek their guidance on how to protect your legal rights throughout this process.
– Keep detailed records of all interactions with the child support office, including dates, times, and the names of any representatives you speak with.
Consider Seeking a Second Opinion
If you feel that your current lawyer is not providing you with the support and guidance you need, it might be worth exploring the option of seeking a second opinion. Here are some things to consider:
– Research other legal professionals who specialize in family law and child support cases.
– Schedule consultations with potential new lawyers to discuss your situation and get their perspective on the best course of action.
– Ultimately, choose a lawyer who makes you feel confident and supported in resolving this matter.
Stay Calm and Positive
It’s completely understandable that this situation is causing you a great deal of stress and worry. However, it’s important to remember that you are taking proactive steps to address the issue. Here are some tips for staying composed throughout this process:
– Lean on your support system, whether it’s your fiancé, family, or friends, for emotional support.
– Engage in stress-relieving activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies to help manage your emotions.
– Keep a positive outlook and remind yourself that with the right approach and support, this issue can be resolved in your favor.
In conclusion, while waiting for a DNA test may feel like the only solution at this moment, it’s essential to continue advocating for your rights and presenting the evidence that proves your innocence in this case. By following the steps outlined above and working closely with your lawyer, you can work towards clearing your name and putting this stressful situation behind you.
Remember, you are not alone in this process, and there are legal professionals and support systems available to help you navigate the complexities of child support cases. Stay focused on the facts, remain patient, and continue to push for a resolution that vindicates your position in this challenging situation. You’ve got this!
Welcome to the world of bureaucracy. You’re just going to have to go through the procedure and submit a DNA sample. They aren’t going to take your word for it. The mother probably isn’t even a part of this litigation so contacting her isn’t going to help. She likely applied for benefits and this is the state acting on it’s on volition.
Listen to your lawyer. Just sit back and wait for the bureaucratic wheels to turn.
If you haven’t yet, see if your local courts have a case search available online and do a search for the mother’s name. At the very least that should provide you information about any pending action or hearings on calendar. If you’ve retained an attorney already they should have already done that, but it may give you a bit of peace of mind to see where the case is as in terms of timeline. If a search isn’t available online, you can go to the courthouse in the proper jurisdiction and pull the physical case file.
Unfortunately the paternity test has to be one ordered by the court so doing one on your own in an attempt to expedite the process wouldn’t be likely to meet the standard required.
Child support agencies are really not the most friendly or helpful, unfortunately, so your recourse is going to be through following the process. I’m surprised it’s not been handled in the past 5 months, but if your lawyer isn’t concerned than you shouldn’t be either.
You may also do a credit check on yourself. Identity theft is real.
Listen to your lawyer, do as they say. You were smart to get one. Doing anything other than what they say is essentially throwing away the money you’re paying them.
NAL
You were served child support papers which will require you to respond back to the child support action paperwork. Your lawyer should be guiding you on this process. Regardless of error they will not take your requests to get out of the case for now. Only way to get out of it, is to respond to the order by contesting it with DNA test, request DNA test and wait for results.
Do not ignore any notices from the Child support office and follow through with their DNA test. This will get you to the finish line and determine you are not the father. If they require you to respond to any paperwork please be prompt to do so to prevent default judgment.
I feel there is more to this than them mis-spelling your name. They go by SSN and your DOB for establishment of child support. If they were able to find you they look by SSN and DOB. Than cross reference that across databases. So I have a bad feeling someone might be using your identity.
For now follow the process and wait for DNA test order
Your lawyer told you to wait; that’s what you do. It’s frustrating but you’re paying him to give you legal advice. If you’re not going to follow their advice then no one can help you.
Try writing to the Governor of your State.
IANAL, but I’ve spent a number of years going through family court. There’s no good reason to be reaching out to anyone really. The court is assuming you are the father of a child, aside from what you’ve been notified of this far, the first step will be a paternity test. The simplest solution in your case should be to submit your sample and then when it’s found you aren’t the father the issue should be resolved on your end.
In the mean time you should watch the movie Brazil. Or maybe not.