child support question - need advice!

[Mollie]

I'm currently pregnant, my ex boyfriend and I split shortly after I found out I was pregnant. He decided he doesn't want anything to do with the baby. I'm fine with that but my problem now is child support. The last couple times I've tried to contact him he hasn't responded. I believe he changed his phone number although so far I've had no luck finding out what the new one is. I live 18 hours away from him in a different state so face-to-face contact is not possible at this time.

I'm not sure where to go from here to make sure that I get the assistance that I need for the baby. Do I need to contact a lawyer? Do I have to take him to court to get a legal agreement for him to pay the child support? Can I do this through my states Health and Human Services Department? I really don't want this to get ugly... I'd like it to be as civil as possible.

I've never been in this situation before so ANY help/advice would be much apprciated. Thanks.

Paternity needs to be established by the courts for you to receive child support.

Until and unless it's proven that he is, indeed, the father of your child, you cannot go after him for child support.

[Gbyte]

After the baby is born, you contact your local child support agency. They will provide you with a child support attorney and assist in establishing paternity - and locating him. Though not always successful, they are your best bet.

Originally Posted by Mollie ...He decided he doesn't want anything to do with the baby. I'm fine with that but my problem now is child support...

Now this is just sad... A TRAGEDY. Who cares that the father doesn't want his child. Oh well, but lets talk $$$. It just sound callous and without concern for the loss of a father that a child deserves. I know you can't make him want his child, but you say like it's no big deal.

...and unfortunately all too common these days, sadly.

[Gbyte]

Originally Posted by Unregistered Now this is just sad... A TRAGEDY. Who cares that the father doesn't want his child. Oh well, but lets talk $$$. It just sound callous and without concern for the loss of a father that a child deserves. I know you can't make him want his child, but you say like it's no big deal.

Should she cry? Beg? Or accept it and move on? I disagree she's being callous. She's doing what she has to do.