Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

Responsible for Child Support after Being Denied in Child's Life

Approximately 5 years ago, a woman I was with conceived a child I believe is mine. She left me when she was pregnant to return to her husband; she had told me during our relationship that she was divorced, but I found out later that she wasn't. She didn't notify me of the baby's birth and put her husband's name on the birth certificate as the father. In subsequent conversations with her, she told me that her husband preferred to raise the child as his own and that she didn't want me to play any role in the child's life. I came to accept this as reality, until now. I am now being sued for child support. Since I have been denied any right to see the child, and another man had assumed the father's role, can I be held liable for child support after five years?


Asked on 12/16/01, 8:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: Responsible for Child Support after Being Denied in Child's Life

Yes. Under Tennessee law you can still be found liable for child support, even though the mother lied to you and denied you any relationship with your child, and you can be required to pay back child support and pay for the cost of delivery of the child, and be put in jail if you refuse to pay.

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Answered on 12/17/01, 7:17 am


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