recently found out I may have a 6yr old child

I was just served with papers stated a girl I dated had a child and it is mine. I'm going to get tested to make sure the child is mine but I will assume for this he is. My questions are...

What are my options? Currently I have a son who is 13 and I have paid child support since we split up and never missed. It is very high $ amount but I make due with less and pay. If this child is mine do I basically double this large amount and live with nothing? Will I be hit with 6 yrs of back dues in one large payment due? Should I get a lawyer and will he help keep this amount somewhat reasonable? Do I have to face the child and mother in court or does the lawyer go in for me? Should I prepare to sell my house and things ahead of time to have funds available for this? I have check stubs still for items purchased for this girl (truck, debt payments) to help her out after we split that she never paid me back for totaling $21,000...can I expect any of this back?


I am not a dead beat dad and WILL meet my obligations if this child is mine. I also hate to live in poverty forever because of this unknow possible child and want a fair deal that won't make life impossible.

Please help!!!

The only advice I can really give you is to make sure you keep documenting EVERYTHING. Any money/items you give her or the child from now on, all of the past documents you claim to have, if it doesn't help with this case, you could take her to court later over it and maybe break even. I've never heard of a lawyer going in for you, so expect to show up in court as well.

[okellis]

I can't stress it enough...GET A LAWYER.