I saw this interesting article on |Time.com| that explores the idea of parenthood and child support in cases where a father is proved to not be the biological father. For example, what if a man is the presumed father for a child for 8 years, then gets divorced, pays child support and 3 years later gets a paternity test only to discover that the child isn’t even his? Obviously he has been serving as the father but is he obligated to financially support that child?
It’s a fairly complex question and the answer is even more convoluted and actually hasn’t even been established yet. The courts in some states haven’t had to define in yet but some states have had to take a look at their existing laws and then determine on a case by case basis what to do in situations like that above.
Of course, it is also a question of doing what is best for the kids. If a man serves as the father figure for a few years to kids that aren’t his own, where is the line? What exactly determines fatherhood? Genetics only? I guess I would probably lean more towards the man not being obligated in any way whatsoever to kids that are not his. It just really isn’t fair to the guy any other way. You shouldn’t be forced into fatherhood unless the kid is biologically yours or you legally adopted them as your own.
One thing that could help would be to have a required paternity test as soon as you know you’re pregnant or as soon as the kid is born. Sure this invades privacy a little bit, but once you’re talking about kids and parenthood, privacy concerns should be thrown out the window. I think children have a right to know who their biological fathers (and mothers) are and a required test would be an easy fix.
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