How to Get Out of Child Support

Do you know how to get out of child support?

If there is a chance the kid isn't yours, you have to get DNA testing immediately. You may be able to get out of paying child support if you can prove the kid isn't yours.

I may not be able to afford that right now.

The longer you wait, the more likely the court will say you already have a paternal relationship, and you're stuck paying the bills.

How often does this sort of thing happen?

The DNA places say 30% of those who come in for testing turn out not to be related. How often guys are actually footing someone else's bill isn't really known.

Let's say we're probably related. How can I get out of these bills?

Get her new partner to adopt the kid. You could terminate your parental rights and support obligations if someone else takes over.

She's just had a string of partners, not a new husband.

You could ask her to put the baby up for adoption. Your obligations end when someone else adopts the kid.

This is an older kid.

Become the custodial parent. If the kid moves in with you, you'll probably be able to end the child support payments.

Probably? You mean I might get stuck with the kids and payments to her?

You certainly will if there is old child support debt. You might, if the court orders aren't updated fast enough.

When can I stop paying child support?

In most places, child support ends when he turns 18. It might take longer, if he's still in high school.

I've heard of 20-somethings suing for child support to pay for college.

If you're old enough to go into student loan debt on your own, you shouldn't get child support anymore. Unfortunately, courts don't always agree.

Any other ideas?

You go to jail if you don't pay child support. You don't owe more child support if you're in jail.

I'm not that desperate.

Then get an attorney to get the support order modified to what you can afford and a DNA test. Consider it an investment in your sanity.