How to Collect Child Support explained the child support laws in a way I could really understand and apply them to my case. My kids now receive weekly child support payments from a payroll deduction order. I highly recommend the book!"- Jeanne, IL. Purchase How to Collect Child Support, 3rd Edition -- $14.95

Question: i'm a single parent, i have never been married to my daughter's father. How can I collect child support?

- Jenna

Answer:

Since you were not married you may need to legally establish paternity if he has not already or does not voluntarily agree he is the father. This is easily done through a DNA test where they swab the mouth of thmotherer, father and child to obtain the DNA sample. More information here about establishing paternity.

If paternity is proven you will eligible for a child support order based on both parents income and the state child support guideline for establishing child support orders. More info here about child support guidelines.

He may try to dispute owing support from the time of birth and could have a legitimate case if he was not informed by you that the child was his when your daughter was born. This can not be held against you if you did not have a way to contact him due to not knowing his location. Also, in some states due to the length of time before you filed for child support and the number of years that have passed before you filed for child support will limit the amount of back support due, however this rarely occurs.

- Geraldine Jensen

PS. Whenever you need to know what action to request from government child support agency? -- see child support case troubleshooting

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Reporting Deadbeat Parents