How do I collect child support if the father is not legally established?

In Kansas, in order to establish legal paternity, you must either acknowledge paternity through sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form, or you must have a DNA test. If you cannot establish legal paternity, then it can be difficult to collect child support from the father. If the father is not legally established, one option is to file a Petition to Establish Paternity with the court. This will begin a legal process to have the court rule on who is the father of the child. Once paternity is established, then the court can order the father to pay child support. If the father of the child is unknown, you may be able to pursue financial assistance from the state of Kansas. Each state maintains a program for providing support services for children who are born out of wedlock and whose fathers are not known. To be eligible, you must file a petition to establish paternity with the court, and then you must pursue the father for support. You should also be aware of the Kansas family state law that states that any man who acknowledges a child as his own on a legal document or contributes to the support of the child is legally responsible for the child and can be subject to a lawsuit by the state for back child support. This means that if a father acknowledges paternity on a legal document, they can be liable for child support. Finally, it is important to note that the laws regarding paternity and child support in Kansas can be complicated and they vary from county to county. You should therefore consult an attorney in your area who specializes in family law to explore your options.

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How do I collect child support if the father is not legally established?

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