Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Intimidated young mother

Child was born to an unwed, 16 year old girl in Texas. Father acknowledged paternity and is named on the birth certificate. Their relationship ended shortly after the birth of the child.

Since mother was still a minor, she moved with her mother to Washington state, where she still resides now. Child is now 2 1/2 years of age and mother is 18. The father has not paid child support, seen the child, contacted the child or shown any interest in the child.

Mother of child is requesting child support, but is intimidated by father, who threatens to file for extensive visitation and/or custody.

Question #1: Can he easily obtain visitation since child is only 2 1/2 yrs old? Who would pay for visitation? Would the child have to travel to Texas?

Question #2: Should mother refrain from filing for child support?

Question #3: Should mother file for sole custody or is she already considered to have sole custody since she was never married to father?


Asked on 5/11/05, 1:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Intimidated young mother

There is a key jurisdictional fact missing.

How long has child lived in Washington State? 6 months is critical period for most actions.

Because child was conceived and born in Texas this case may be best brought there. I can't speak to details of Texas law.

If brought in Washington, the type of case would be paternity and it would result in a finding of paternity (or not), a parenting plan would be approved and a support order entered. You can't just get child support and not face the possibility of a parenting plan. Who pays how much and for what is determined by the court based on many factors (that you have not disclosed, e.g. income of mother, father, availability of medical insurance, etc.)

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Answered on 5/11/05, 8:45 pm


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