What happens during a paternity court hearing?

Question

I have to go to a paternity court hearing regarding my baby's father. Does anyone know what I should expect? I know he will probably request a paternity test. But what all happens. Any and all comments are accepted. It is just sad that I have to go to this step, but they baby's father wont help with anything. So I have to get him on the paperwork for support.

Answer 1

Hey I will be going through the same thing.  The lawyer told me if he doesn't sign the affidavit of paternity they will court order him to take a paternity test.  If paternity is established they will need 3 years of taxes from him to figure his income and how much support you will be getting.  It will all be court ordered and he wont have a choice but to turn over everything, and then they will garnish his wages...  it will go through the state and then sent to you...  So probably nothing will be established this time if he asks for a paternity test.

IDK if you have a myspace but if you do and want to talk about it you can add me www.myspace.com/lilmisskissmyass

or add me as a contact on here.

i'll be going through the same thing, just shoot me an email...  it's tough and a lot of work!

Answer 2

It should start out kind of boring. Mostly an announcement of what the case number is and what it is about and who is there. Then the judge will most likely just ask the father if he thinks he is the father and if he is willing to submit to a test and if there is any other situations that the court must be aware of.

You may be in front of a judicial officer or master of the court and not a judge. The court will most likely just order the test.

Some of what happens will depend on where you live but that is the basics. The court shouldn't jump to any conclusions about the situation. They will just order the test and wait for the results.

After the DNA test comes back you will need to file for a declaration of parentage. That is where the court declares him to be the father if the dna test says that he is.

Answer 3

First, the judge will make sure that all involved parties are present. I am assuming that child support is involved, so they will most likely have a representative there. If you are to give testimony, then you will be sworn in.

In my experience, the judge will ask the potential father if he wishes to acknowledge paternity. If he says yes, it's pretty much over. He will sign an acknowledgment of paternity, and the judge will most likely rule on child support at the same time, if he has correct employment information.

If he says no, then the judge will most likely order a paternity test and the case will be continued until the results are available.