I posted about 2 weeks ago that I found out I was pregnant and also found out the father had a family and a child on the way with another woman. Anyways I've decided to go it alone, I have stopped all contact with him. I also found and told his partner she didn't believe me at all. I was just wondering if I could get some tips on how to go about claiming child support when the father is denying the child?
9 Replies
It's a really easy process. Centrelink and the CSA will help you through the process after baby has arrived. When my son was born centrelink referred me to a community legal service and they basically did all the leg work I only needed my exes address (although they could have done it without it, it made life easier). Basically the lawyer sent him a letter threatening to take him to court for a paternity test (which would then enable CSA to charge child support on our behalf). They threatened court and paternity test OR he could sign a paternity acknowledgement form (basically a statutory declaration). Lucky for me he signed the form so that made it easier. Don't stress about it, it was really easy.
It was more a hassle than something to be worried about. Check out the child support website they have loads of information
Be aware if you go through with it he can change his mind at any point and claim 50 50 custody and have no problem because to get child support it will need to be proved he's the father. Think long term. It may be about money now but he may want visitation later on
Natalia said:
If the father doesnt sign birth certificate...you apply for child support through CSA (child support agency)...they then deny the claim based on the fact father isnt listed you then file in family court stating you proof of paternity for child support ..the court will then contact him and ask for dna testing....
ALSO pick your battles wisely..once u name him as father he can take custody of child, refuse passport, hinder your life drastically.
Sophie said:
I think if you chose to go it alone and if the father has made it clear he wants no part in its life I'd try my best to raise the child financially alone .... I raise my son with no child support as its not worth the drama and my son doesn't have anything to do with his dad due to violence and safety issues, I have chosen to raise him financially on my own because its possible and I don't feel a small amount of money is worth him feeling like " I need his tiny amount of money " .... Your circumstances are a little different as he is denying the child but I think once the babies born he may change his mind and be prepared if he then wants a relationship with the child, if he pays maintenance he may want equal care etc .... Good luck x
Renee said:
I have no advice for you, motherhood is hard and I have a partner to help me but you will be doing it alone. And to find out this guy has another partner and another child on the way must be hard for you. Just want to send you some big hugs
KC-Anne Said:
To claim full centerlink help, U have to try n explain why ur not claiming chid support. Him having another family won't be enough to keep centerlink happy n any chid payments will be cut short. U get penalise. So, tell centerlink and child support who th father is, he then has to prove he isn't th father. Centerlink will pay for th paternity test, if he is th father he then has to pay they bill, and child support will chase him up to support his child
Emily said:
Contact CSA as soon as bub is born and also legal aid, they will help you get a Section 106A of the Family Law Act confirming parentage. You won't get any child support until you have the court order but it will be backdated to the date you first contact them once they've sighted the order
Teigan said:
Personly I wouldn't bother trying for child support it will be long and drawn out you will have to go court and he may chose he wants shared care as well. Also he is also having a child to his partner so he won't have to pay max child support as his other depends are taken into count. If you plan on work that will also effect his child support amount. Look at it every angle before you try for child support. I'm not sayif he shouldn't have to pay he does it takes two BUT me personally his made his choice and I wouldn't bother.